I had the exact same problem, but it was the intake that would not cinch up tight. I think that's how I ended up breaking the exhaust manifold in three pieces was because of trying to tighten it down. Mine were never apart though. I took off the intake/exhaust and carburetor as one piece, even left it attached to the exhaust pipe. Removed the head to replace the head gasket, then reinstalled the manifolds. Why did it not go on the same as it came off? It's not that easy to come across an exhaust manifold for a 235, but it is doable. But, once I get a new one, I really don't want to break it as well. Glad I came across this thread!
