Black1999

I'm replacing the rusted-out core plugs in my '99 XJ 2.5's head. The original intake manifold and exhaust gaskets were separate pieces, in fact it was difficult to tell if there were actually exhaust gaskets on there, but all the ones I find online appear to be one-piece combined intake & exhaust gaskets. Are these any good? Over here they seem to be the only ones on offer. I tried the local Jeep dealership and they can order them (from Italy, 6 working day delivery!) but were not clear or helpful on what the exhaust gasket set contained - and it was over $45 including taxes!? At Rockauto they list the Mopar intake gasket but nothing I could see on a separate exhaust one. Does everyone just use the one-piece gaskets?

Thanks in advance.

Black1999

No opinions? It definitely looks like no exhaust manifold gasket was used originally/previously, but I've ordered the aftermarket one-piece gasket and will use that if nothing comes up to stop me.

EDIT: I've had a look at my '93 YJ 2.5 and that looks like no exhaust gasket is used either?

cruiser54

Some of the AMC 258s used no exhaust gaskets .

If you used an earlier intake/exhaust gasket, the intake manifold didn't seal properly.

Black1999

Thanks, that's what concerns me as I don't want to do the job twice - would the factory have just used a high temp silicon smeared around the mating faces?

cruiser54

The 258s didn't use sillycone.

On the 2.5, maybe the intake/exhaust gasket will work.

Black1999

Minor update: I went with the factory and reinstalled the manifolds with the Mopar intake gasket and no exhaust gasket. Have run it up a few times to check the core plugs and to get the coolant bled and topped up, and it seems OK. I was surprised to find there is no proper drain on the radiator, although there was a plug on the left side above the bottom hose that enabled me to drain enough water to add the correct amount of antifreeze.

Still sorting out a couple of other jobs but plan to get insurance and road tax sorted to hit the road on 1st April