I have an exhaust gasket leak on my 454. It is not very bad yet but I hear it on acceleration. How likely is it that the bolts will twist off in the head? Are there any tricks to prevent them from breaking? Also, if I get the manifold off, should I use gaskets or not. Thanks for any advice.

I would have the face of the manifolds planed. This can be done with the machine that runs a large sanding belt that is water cooled. It is almost certain that your manifolds are warped.

Thankyou for the reply. The manifolds on this engine are not cast iron, they appear to be stainless steel with a sort of bellows in between the 2nd and 3rd cylinder on each side. I think I read that some 454's had them from the factory (to remedy the problem they had with cracking). They really don't look like headers. The only leak is on the front cylinder on the drivers side and it is very small. I heard it but it took me a long time to find it. I would agree about the planing them if they were cast. Do you think it should be done with this type of manifold? This is on a motorhome.

I would at least subject them to a strait edge test.

I had problems with the manifold bolts popping the heads off.

At least on our motor homes we can remove the front wheel and then you have complete access to the side of the engine to work on it.

Yes, that is an advantage! I will definately check it with a straight edge if I take it off. I am actually not sure if it is worth the risk of opening up a can of worms. It has been like this for 2 or 3 years and doesn't seem to be getting worse after a few trips to Texas and Wisconsin. I only hear it on fairly hard acceleration but it bugs me to know it's there. lol Also, things like that never get better, usually worse.

Uncle Ed, I have had a lot of luck with spraying "PB Blaster" which is like Liquid Wrench but penetrates better, in my opinion. Also use a Metrench socket or a six point socket not a 12 point socket. Go slow and talk nice.

Thanks Steve, I think I can follow your advice except the talking nice might end if I twist off a bolt!