Sorry for all the background, but it may help answer the questions I have. When I purchased my 66 Toronado, the RH exhaust manifold had a cracked flange. The PO used a nut and bolt configuration to try and sandwich the flange to the pipe and ended up damaging the flange worse. Bottom line is that I purchase a correct replacement from E-bay to drop in. I also replaced the manifold to head gaskets, purchased and installed what I believe to be the correct blue flange gasket with the steel lip that slips into the manifold, and purchased NOS Olds 455 exhaust flange springs (587575). There were no spacers on that side like there are on the LH side, so I fabricated some using steel tube. I put everything together and had a pretty good exhaust leak on that side. Not as bad of course, but very noticeable. I shortened the spacers and the leak was less, but still present. Then I removed the spacers and tightened the bolts pretty good, but did not compress the spring as much as I could. The flange felt tight against the gasket. I still have the leak. Since I replaced that manifold, I will double check the torque values next time I'm at the garage. I did use the steel locks to hold the bolts in place. The LH side does not leak. Finally, the exhaust system is a fabricated dual exhaust with some glass packs or cherry bombs that I plan on replacing in the future after I get some other things sorted out. With all this background, here are my questions:

Did the RH side have spacers, and can anyone tell mw what length they should be?
If there were no spacers, should I tighten the bolts tighter? I think I still have some threads left.
Once this is properly configured, and I've verified the manifold torque is correct, then if it still leaks, it seems it would be a problem with the exhaust pipe at that point, unless there are other suggestions.

Thanks for all the help so far. I'm really enjoying getting this car back to its former glory.

MajD

 

Connection of exhaust pipes to exhaust manifolds identical at both sides, so sealing components identical. Don't know length of spacers, but would be identical using a total of 4, 2 per side. (My measurement of spacer looks to be 1-3/8" length.) If there's a leak, possibly damage/distortion to seal, pipe, or manifold surfaces. Or possibly is exhaust system assembled with exhaust pipe oriented to some extreme position that compromises ability to seal?
Something is amiss here and overtightening (Assembly Manual says 10-18 ft-lbs) those 2 bolts is not the real answer.

 

I just happen to be working on my '66 manifolds today......took a few photos for you:

 

Ourkid2000,

Thanks for the pics and the measurement...what a huge help. Since my car has a custom exhaust, the spacers must have been fabricated. I measured the ones on the LH side, and they looked to be around 5/8" - 3/4". Yours are clearly 1 3/8". I don't wonder whether the RH side exhaust flange became deformed as a result of the way it was attached when the flange was broken, At this point, I think I'm going to drop the pipe and see if it's out of round. Also, can you tell me where you got those flange gaskets? They look different. Mine are the Fel-Pro recommended gasket, and they did fit into the manifold, but they are made of some blue material and not the metallic is see in your picture. I don't wonder if those won't seal better. Thanks for the help.

MajD

 

They are Felpro PN 60241.

 

Since your exhaust manifold has been "played with" as part of the repair process of the broken flange, maybe try some (very) high temperature sealant as part of process of seating the gasket into the manifold opening. Also, the pictured gasket might have a metallic appearance, but the ones I've used have a metal circular piece that fits into the manifold (per the picture), and the rest is some combination of a fibrous material and metal flakes/grindings for the end of the exhaust pipe to mate against and allow for some movement as the parts heat up and cool down - I doubt that the actual gasket materials are the problem here. Good luck.

 

If you are sure the leak is from the manifold-to-pipe-connection, it might be the shape of the doughnut gaskets you are using.

The Fel-Pro number you listed is supposed to be correct for your Toronado.

However, the shape of the one's I've used in the past look like this, with a shorter overall height, and a much more rounded end that connects to the inlet of the exhaust pipe:





I can't say for certain, but the ones shown on your manifolds look to be too tall and have a longer taper than ones I've used in the past.

Keep us posted.

 

Are you referring to me or the op?

 

oops sorry for the confusion. Looks like you had posted the pix I was referencing not the OP MajD.
Did those doughnut gaskets in your reply work for you?

 

No worries! I'll let you know when I install em fully. Just in the process of putting them back on currently.