The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Exhaust leak/gasket replacement

I have an exhaust leak somewhere on my truck. You can smell it in the cab and under the hood. I don't know exactly where it is because the fan blades move so much air that the exhaust just blows around. My plan was to replace the exhaust manifold gasket as well as the exhaust pipe. Currently the pipe dumps out just behind the cab using the old- "hack saw off the rusty part" method. I want the replacement to come all the way from the collector pipe back under the bed and dump out by the bumper (so I can't smell it- too bad for the guy behind me). My concern is that it seems as though the intake and exhaust manifolds share the same gasket and I'm worried about doing the swap. I'm really new at this and I try to stay away from engines as often as possible. I'm worried about breaking the bolts that hold them in place, or not being able to get the old gasket off. When I put the new one on do I need any sealant? Any help would be appreciated. thanks
-cale

The bolts that go into the cylinder head shouldn't be to bad. The bolts that hold the exhaust pipe flange to the manifold could be another story. I'd get a can of good penetrating oil and start soaking everything real good before you tackle the job. You will more than likely need to use heat on the nuts for the flange. Take your time and if your unsure round up some help. The method I always use is to heat the nut red hot, then get a good 6 point socket on the nut and gently try and loosen it. It may move some,then snug it back up. You may have to do this a couple times to get things going. Just be careful because it will be real easy to snap things off.

Good Luck
Don