Do you need a sealer when installing an exhaust manifold gasket?

[Quasimondo]

Just like what the question says. I'm replacing my exhaust manifold gasket, along with all of the studs. I noticed a lot of carbon around the gasket, which isn't even 3 months old. When I put the new one on, do I need to apply gasket sealer or just bolt everything back up and torque down to specs?

 

[gregmondro]

just put the new gasket and torque it down to specs

 

[Defiant]

No sealer. I don't know if there's one made that'd live through it anyway.

 

[91talontsiturbo]

exhaust gases are way too hot for sealer it melts it or burns it up in if you put sum on there the heat would just burn it up in blow threw where the sealer was and even more if you have a turbo,

BUT!
theres an old skool tip about sealing gaskets
my dad said back in the day they used spray paint to seal the gaskets in they never leaked even on a old one

 

[91TSiGuy]

If the above method is used, I would suggest using copper spray gasket rather than paint. Personally I don't spray the manifold gaskets. I just make sure both surfaces are clean before reinstalling.

 

[91talontsiturbo]

when you paint the gasket the paint on ther hardends well atlest you think it does but its still not fully cured yet, the paint will bond to whatever it sticks to when its hot (at engine temp) , no worries about it getting into intake but i not in ur case since you would only be doin it to tha exhaust gasket , btw i think there is a copper gasket made for it? , i've only herd about it but it sounds like it would be the overall cure

 

[Defiant]

Good luck to you.

We'll stick to the first answer, but thanks.