Exhaust Manifold Gasket
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Ford didn't install gaskets on these exhaust manifolds, and neither should anyone else. They cause leaks, rust, and warping. Ford installed them with a thin layer of chassis grease which became carmelized during the first warmup like seasoned cast-Iron cookware. The modern equivalent is high-temperature silicone, and it DOESN'T take much. All the threads (in the heads, and all the nuts, bolts, & studs) must be clean, and lubricated with Nickel (hi-temp) anti-seize lubricant, which should also be applied to the flange surfaces between the EGR tube, manifold, & Y-pipe. The long manifold-to-head bolts with stud head is 388469-S. The long bolt without stud is 381732-S. Short w/o is 392016-S4301.
Aftermarket replacement sets are also available for 5.0L/5.8L: Left
Dorman 03405; Right
Dorman 03407B or
Dorman 03407The manifold-to-Y-pipe studs are 391104-S2; the nuts are 375636-S7 :
For the whole process: