The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fenton's "donuts"

I have recently found a fix for the ongoing problem of sealing up the fentons to the exhaust pipes. The regular donuts we've all used don't seem to do the job or not for long. Walker makes a tapered insert with a short pipe extension that fits inside the downpipe that help to align the pipe to the Fenton's. (Walker PN 31524)

Are you using Remflex gaskets? They solved my problem, and they are cheaper on Amazon--Bill

Bill,

"problem of sealing up the fentons to the exhaust pipes"
"Are you using Remflex gaskets?"

Are you referring to the Remflex gasket between the manifold assembly and the head, or are you referring to a different Remflex gaskets for the Fenton's to the exhaust pipes?

What is/are the Remflex part number(s) for those gasket(s)?

we used RFL-2027 Exhaust header gaskets 39.19 Is that what you need? Bill

Donuts guys donuts! Being a retired Cop I’m an expert on donuts. What you guys are discussing is the block to header gasket. 52pu is talking the header pipe to exhaust pipe donut gasket. If I’m wrong I’ll gladly eat a donut.🤪

I'm with you Martin.

......if my memory is correct I've seen some original exhaust header pipes with what appeared to be that tapered piece that the DONUT fit around. Surely ya'll have seen them???!!!

If my memory serves me well:
- the forward header is almost straight downward as in early 235 (and 216) exhaust manifold, and the end has a beveled opening (fitting surface) - donut gasket
- the rearward header is more angled rearward as in 1954-1963 single 235/261 exhaust manifold, and has a flat opening (fitting surface) - flat gasket

If you have two different fittings on the two exhaust pipes, using the earlier donut seal/gasket in the front, and using the later 235/261 flat-gasket in the rear will work.

I have successfully used donut seals at both points, even with a flat rearward exhaust pipe.

What types of fittings are on the ends of your two exhaust manifolds, and on the mating sides of your two exhaust pipes?

I'm only talking about the Fenton to exhaust pipe connection, "donuts" we used to call them. Manf used to make them out of an asbestos mesh concoction, no more. The Walker PN 31524 is working so far. Also double nutting them is the way to go.

I had a '66 Buick and the exhaust manifold had the inverted bevel hole for the exhaust pipe just like the early 216s. It did not use a donut there. The exhaust pipe had a ball end formed onto it which fit into the beveled hole in the manifold. It had a flange similar to the 235 flange used to force the ball into place. As it was tightened, the ball end of the pipe form-fitted into the bevel. A good muffler shop should be able to form that ball end on your exhaust pipe.

Modern day Fenton headers sure aren't the same as the original castings. I drove
my '60 6 cylinder Biscayne for 4 years and many miles back in the day. Got the
header kit from the Sear catalog which included everything, hangers and all
from the cylinder head right back to the tip of the tail pipes.
Never ever had a problem with exhaust leaks. And the header castings fit perfect.
I helped a friend install the (new) Fenton's on his 235 a couple of years ago and
couldn't believe how poorly they fit. Flanges to the head didn't match up to the
thickness of the intake and they just simply were not the same quality of the
original headers.
I believe the original ones had flat gaskets where the head pipe mated up to
the header.....but that was '55 years ago and the memory.......well...... I can't
remember what I had for supper last night.
Denny G
Sandwich, IL

I'm with Denny. I remember the flat gasket Denny mentions......
DG....is there ANYTHING made today with the quality you and I grew up knowing?? You don't have to reply, I know the answer!...and it don't last near as long.

It wasn't made in China back then Alvin.
dg

I think I said the same thing but my wording was kind of off key!! You are absolutely right.