We would also check to make sure they were flat. My stiff manifold gaskets were definitely flat, and I had cleaned both
mating surfaces. The head surface is not "perfect" but no worse than
before... I've always just put on the gaskets dry and get satisfaction, but
it only lasts a few seasons, and then the popping starts again. It is easy
to see the one or two places that the gasket has blown out when I
remove the manifold. The people over on the tractor board are split
between thinking the copper coat is a good idea on manifold
gaskets, I see why
...
Another set of gaskets arrived on Monday. I've bush-hogged a couple
of areas (while wearing ear plugs!) since I installed the copper-coated
gasket. In between running the motor I've noticed that I can tighten the
manifold bolts some more, and the popping is less each time... I'll give
it a couple more tries...
Thanks!
-Mike
