Hey guys, I have a 2001 xj sport. Just got it about 4 months ago. PO had a Jasper long block put in about 8000 miles ago. I've been chasing a lean condition CEL down for a while. Tried upstream o2 sensor, coil, checked for vacuum leaks. My mechanic says manifold gasket would be his next step...

So I'm thinking that with the manifolds being installed only a few thousand miles ago, there is a possibility that maybe the manifold bolts could be loose??

My question is, without removing the PS pump and a bunch of other stuff, are there enough bolts accessible to even make a difference? Or would it be best advised to just pull the manifolds and put a new gasket on? Obviously the latter is much more labor intensive.

Thanks for the help.

 

And which gasket is a good choice for an 01? I have access to all the major parts store chains here in Louisville. Any to definitely not get?

 

Looks like I'm high jacking my own thread. I'm looking at gaskets for these parts stores. Most people carry fel-pro. Autozone also has a victor reinze gasket. The VR is multiple layer steel. The fel-pro is composite. Thought on these? Thanks again.

 

Re-torque the hardware, you'll be fine. This should be done after several hundred miles anyways. The heat cycles and vibrations those bolts see can cause them to back out enough to cause this, after installing a new gasket. Don't buy another gasket yet, just re-torque and see if that helps.

I've used the felpro with great success in the past.

Also, I believe the value on mine was 24' lbs...I have a 97. Verify yours to be sure. And, IIRC, torque from the middle bolts out alternating top to bottom, this should ensure a good even seal.

 

Thanks man. If the hardware is "loose" will it be a noticeably loose thing? Like can feel it with my hands or barely any pressure on my wrench?

 

Maybe, maybe not...but once you put a torque wrench on it you'll probably see a small amount of movement.

 

I can vouch for the quality of FELPRO gaskets. Recently put one on my valve cover and it's lightyears beyond what the OEM cork gasket was.

 

Use an OEM gasket.


I've found that most aftermarket gaskets are out of register, i.e., the holes in the gasket do not align with the intake holes in the head.

 

It's Sunday and I already have a felpro but there is one dealership in town open today. Hopefully their parts department is open too. If so I'll grab an oem and do a side by side.

 

Hold the gaskets up against the head to compare the port openings.

 

Will do. Let's hope parts dept is open