Exhaust manifold to downpipe gasket removal

[billca]

Does anyone have tips on removing the metal gasket between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust downpipe? This is on a '67 E-Type.
I applied heat and a good soaking of rust remover and I still had to use a chisel to remove the one stuck to the front downpipe.
The other one is stuck in the manifold.
Thanks for any suggestions.

billca

 

[jessebogan]

Same plan!!. It is a metal sheath over some sort of fireproof (asbestos?) center, and after time they can be really stuck.

 

[Exotexs]

at the point where you are, I would remove the manifold for better access and to avoid damage, since you've already disconnected the downpipe anyway...not to mention you might have caused some unintended damage with the chisel to the sealing surfaces...best to inspect now, a tiny scrape with the chisel can cause a leak noise.

New manifold-to-head gaskets are cheap. New doughnut seals should be installed with anti-seize paste. If removing the manifold, spray rust remover overnight on all the nuts/studs.

 

[billca]

Thanks to the two of you for the tips.
I did remove the manifolds and the second manifold-to-down pipe gasket came out fairly easily after a two day soak with penetrant and the use of a seal remover tool.

I also got some new brass nuts from Terry's Jag Parts, along with some rubber parts. These nuts were longer than the original and would not fit on two studs where the manifold studs are closest to the manifold. Fortunately, I had saved the original brass nuts.

More progress. Maybe I'll finish by summer.

Billca