The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop how do i replace the manifold gasket?

my exhaust manifold gasket (53 gmc/228/6cyl) is burned out on one cylinder and even though it sounds pretty cool (almost like it has headers), i'm wondering how bad is this?
1. how urgent is it that i replace the gasket?
2. do i have to pull the intake and exhuast manifolds off as a unit?
3. can i replace the manifold gaskets without breaking loose the exhaust manifold-to-exhaust pipe intersection with the donut gasket inside? it is 'welded' shut with heat and rust and the 3 bolts/nuts look like they've sat in acid for a few weeks; totally deformed!
If I can prop up the manifolds from underneath and replace the intake and exhaust gaskets, i think i'd rather do that, but i'm not sure as i've read on here that i'm supposed to have them planed down even before i put them back on.
HELP!

Well, one thing for sure, the exhaust manifold studs are always a problem from the heat cycles and rust. Better start putting the liquid wrench on them way before you need to un do them.

The immediate danger would be if you smelled exhaust and were breathing fumes. Eventually it will burn up the manifold though and then it might take two gaskets to fit tight (I had that problem with a 230 ci 6 in a camaro).

old_blue-

You can change the gaskets without removing the manifold from the pipe. Just unbolt it from the head and let it hang on the exhaust pipe.

The next question, though is whether the gasket was old and just happened to blow or is the manifold surface warped. I would replace the gasket and keep an eye on it. If it starts leaking again pretty quick, that would indicate a warped manifold surface. Then you get to have the fun of removing it. Like arnswine said, start soaking them with PB Blaster or something now. And don't freak out if a stud breaks off. They aren't hard to drill out and re-tap when the manifold is off.