exhaust manifold gasket keeps breaking. help

[cjrocker12]

hey everyone! I'm new to rc talk. so hello! Anyway i need help, the gasket between
the exhaust manifold and the engine keeps breaking after a run through a few tanks. i know theyre fragile and made of like something simular to paper but they shouldnt break this quickly. any suggestions?? I've gone through so many gaskets.

thanks

 

[olds97_lss]

What vehicle? Side exhaust (rectangular) or rear exhaust (round)? Size of engine?

 

[Racer 1966]

My first guess would be the header is warped or you're not tightening the screws enough. More info would help.

 

[cjrocker12]

What vehicle? Side exhaust (rectangular) or rear exhaust (round)? Size of engine?

It's a .18 and side exhaust. The car is a 1/10 exceed rc hyperspeed/forza.

---------- Post added at 11:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 PM ----------

My first guess would be the header is warped or you're not tightening the screws enough. More info would help.

I have it tightened pretty well. And what are the signs of a warped header? Would I have noticed it or is it something I would have to look at carefully?
Thanks

 

[Racer 1966]

Lay something straight across the flange,look for gaps. Are the screws vibrating loose? Does it use nylock nuts or just screw into the block?

 

[cjrocker12]

Lay something straight across the flange,look for gaps. Are the screws vibrating loose? Does it use nylock nuts or just screw into the block?

They screw into the block but they would come loose so now I have lock washers on them and I've used some locktite as well. The gasket will either get oiley and detereate or blow out. Also if the header isnt how it should be, is there anyway to fix it? Or will I have to replace something?

 

[olds97_lss]

If it isn't flat where it meets the engine, you can try and grind it flat on a belt sander or disk sander on a drill.

Try putting some high temp RTV on both sides of the gasket before tightening it down. The coating of rubber may help the gasket wick up less fuel/oil and make it last longer. To me though, sounds like you still may be running a bit loose. Might be worth getting some bolts that go through the flanges completely so you can put locknuts on the back side as well to keep them snug.

Locktight doesn't hold well on engines because it softens when heated.

 

[cjrocker12]

If it isn't flat where it meets the engine, you can try and grind it flat on a belt sander or disk sander on a drill.

Try putting some high temp RTV on both sides of the gasket before tightening it down. The coating of rubber may help the gasket wick up less fuel/oil and make it last longer. To me though, sounds like you still may be running a bit loose. Might be worth getting some bolts that go through the flanges completely so you can put locknuts on the back side as well to keep them snug.

Locktight doesn't hold well on engines because it softens when heated.

Okay I will try that. Thanks so much!

 

[TenaciousG_]

This happened on my acme condor (terrible i know) so i just used some rubber gasket glue type stuff, which you just spread on to where the manifold gasket should go and creates one for you. It's red in colour and does a brill job. Works up to 500 degrees so no worries about the engine temp.