Turbo to stock manifold gasket or not?

[Realspool]

I had a copper gasket from the turbo to the stock header.I have an exhaust leak and Im pretty sure the leak is there.I used RTV silicone on both sided of the gasket.My question is on the last turbo I had on had no gasket and no problem at all for 5 years.Should i use a gasket?When i took the turbo off I could see that the copper gasket was not straight.What do most guys do here?One other thing i did not torque the bolts with a torque wrench thats probably why it is was not even.Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[The Radius Kid]

You could try and flatten the surfaces or at least clean them up and use a thin layer of copper RTV to seal.
Stay away form those copper gaskets.
They're junk.

 

[J Banning]

I don't run one. I clean up the matting surface of the header and the turbo with an abrasive disc, then use Permatex Ultra Copper for the sealant. I also use this on the turbo to downpipe surface. So far, so good.

-banning

 

[YGETV8]

I never used a gasket and never had a problem... till now. Took my turbo off recently and saw major leaks in this area. Trued up both surfaces and put a bead of Ultra Copper on when I assembled it, too!

Am wondering if anybody has tried to see if one of those "dead soft" aluminum collector gaskets would fit? Or, if a copper one has come out that was "embossed," as that is about the only way that would work properly.

 

[Red Regal T]

Definitely true up the surfaces with a flat file. I use a Buick Riviera exhaust gasket available from any GM parts supplier. I've had my turbo on and off several times, with the exact same gasket, with no leaks. Maybe someone could supply the part number.

 

[justabuickv6]

I've ran nothing but copper gaskets. I have never had a problem and that's with 22 lbs of boost.

 

[Realspool]

Yeah like i said before I had no problems at all with the previous turbo I had on it(no gasket) and never had any exhaust leaks ever for 5 yers.I think the surfacing could be the problem but i am not going back to a copper gasket.I think what happened is when i tightened all 3 bolts on the flange all three were tightened but I did not use a torque wrench.I want to make sure there all torqued the same so it keeps the turbo as straight as possible with the header.

 

[wlaukaitis]

Keep in mind the about of heat there that would warp the flanges, especially if they were not tightened down evenly.

 

[Realspool]

Can any one tell me how many pound of torque for turbo to the 3 bolt flange?What is the best Copper silcone,Permatex ultra copper?Also I have the stock header off.There is no cracks and I was just going to get it sand blasted because of some of rust on it.I was going to spay it with 2000 degee's VHT.Should i spay the VHT where the turbo mounts at the flange.The side where the turbo meets the flange?Is it ok to spray there? I just want to be sure before I put the turbo back on. Thanks guys Ray

 

[salvageV6]

23 ft. lbs.

And the Buick Riviera Turbo composite gasket works just fine in my 2 cars.

 

[Realspool]

Thanks for letting me know how many lbs of torque to use.I may have a different copper gasket then you.I got mine with my TE-44 turbo from Precision power.I wonder though what would be the advantage of using a gasket when most guys don't use it.Maybe the gasket you got is better then the one I got.Where did you get your gasket for the Riveria?I still kind of leaning to go with out gasket but i don't want the flange to get warped either.Thanks Salvage

 

[turbocody]

stay away from all gaskets period when it comes to the turbo-manifold.it will either blow out or leak eventually. just make sure the surface of the metal is not rusted or warped and you will be fine. BTW, all the TR's from the factory did not come with them.

Cody

 

[Red Regal T]

Originally posted by Red Regal T
Definitely true up the surfaces with a flat file. I use a Buick Riviera exhaust gasket available from any GM parts supplier. I've had my turbo on and off several times, with the exact same gasket, with no leaks. Maybe someone could supply the part number.

I DID POST THIS, DIDN'T I? I've been hearing guys post about copper turbo gasket problems for a long time. I think most people use a gasket.

Salvage said, "And the Buick Riviera Turbo composite gasket works just fine in my 2 cars".

I've used mine for years with no blowouts at 24-26lbs of boost and if I change turbos tomorrow, I probably won't have to use a new gasket. This is not some speculation, but my actual experience.

Play around with no gasket and have leaks. By the way, I didn't torque the fasteners. I'd like to see someone get a torque wrench in there. I like putting the gasket on (Riviera) and forgetting about it.

 

[Realspool]

I have a habit of over tightening and under tightening never in the middle.I guess if I can't use a torque wrench I have to tighten them 1 at a time, and slowly,carefully, so i don't have one side tightened alot more then the other side.

 

[d0n_3d]

I ran no gasket with my TE-44 turbo and when I recently took it off I noticed black streaks coming off the edges of the mating surfaces...I had an exhaust leak there and also the header to head surfaces on both sides...that's why my car was running so damn rich...definitely using gaskets this winter when I put everything back together!

 

[turbofish38]

I also use the Riviera gasket with no problems. Hey check out this thread for other options: http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=106268&highlight=1261269

Eric Fisher

 

[Realspool]

If i were to use a Riveria gasget ,does any one know where i can get one? Just wondering any opinions on having(pro or cons) a exhaust manifold gasket for the stock headers?

 

[salvageV6]

I got mine from Ramchargers last order 3 months ago.

Email Mike Licht from Full Throttle Performance too he may have them as he sells similar product.

 

[Realspool]

Thanks salvage 6. I guess you prefer the copper gaskets while others don't.I was still wondering are guys using gaskets for the exhaust manifold to the cylinder heads.

 

[Red Regal T]

Originally posted by Realspool
Thanks salvage 6. I guess you prefer the copper gaskets while others don't.I was still wondering are guys using gaskets for the exhaust manifold to the cylinder heads.

YOU'RE JOKING, RIGHT? YA KNOW, YA GOTTA' READ THESE POSTS TO GET ANYTHING OUT OF THEM.