Exhaust Gaskets

Flange gaskets

A flange gasket sits between two bolted flange plates. Match it to the flange's bolt pattern and the pipe size it seals. Steel gaskets with a reinforced fire ring stand up to clamping force and heat cycling better than plain fibre gaskets.

Manifold gaskets

Manifold gaskets seal where the exhaust manifold or extractors bolt to the cylinder head, so they're specific to the engine. The range covers Chevrolet small block V8, Holden 5.0L and VT–VZ Commodore V8, and Nissan GQ/GU Patrol engines.

Gasket maker

High-temperature RTV silicone forms a seal on irregular or slightly pitted surfaces. The grey RTV in the range is rated to 750°F and is oxygen-sensor safe. Use it where a cut gasket isn't available or the faces aren't perfectly flat.

When to replace a gasket

Replace the gasket every time a joint is undone. Once a gasket has been compressed and heat-cycled, it rarely seals reliably a second time.

Need the flange as well? See Exhaust Flanges.

FAQ

Can I reuse an exhaust gasket? It's not recommended. A gasket compresses and hardens with heat, so once a joint has been undone it's unlikely to seal properly again. Fit a new one.

What gasket do I need for a 3" flange? Match both the bolt pattern and the pipe size: a 3-bolt flange needs a 3-bolt gasket made for that pipe diameter. Check the flange you have before ordering.

Do I need sealant with an exhaust gasket? Usually not. A new gasket on clean, flat flanges seals on its own. A high-temperature sealant can help where the flange faces are pitted or slightly uneven.

How do I know if an exhaust gasket is leaking? Typical signs are a ticking or puffing noise that's loudest on a cold start, exhaust smell, and soot marks around the joint.