Hey guys I need some help. I have the dreaded exhaust manifold leak and really need to replace it. Problems is, I feel in over my head. I've done tons of basic maintenance, but this would be my most serious undertaking. If there's anyone near the Greenville SC area that would be willing to help out that would be awesome. I can't afford a mechanic and want to tackle it with some help. It's a 94 xj with the inline 6. Thanks a bunch!

 

It is actually pretty simple. If it's your first time, put aside a whole day to do it.

Just take off the parts such as the throttle body connections, air box, and loosen the belt so you can remove everything, then take care of the bolts around the manifolds and slowly remove piece by piece. Clean it up good with a brush, and then apply the new part and torque it back down.

 

Apply break free or something like it to all the bolts to be removed for several days "Before" you start the job. It should help you some when loosening the bolts up.

 

Thanks guys! I'll be doing this when I can scrounge up the money. I also saw a guy on YouTube who used some kind of high heat RTV sealant along with his new gasket to seal everything up. Should I do this too?

 

I do... the copper RTV. I dont know how much of a difference it makes but it makes the gasket sticky and seat much easier. I haven't ever had a leak using it.

 

I wouldn't put any kind of RTV in there. It gets so hot right there that it'll just deteriorate over time and it could leak.

I sandwiched my gasket where it needed to (easy because there are two teeth where it lines up at), and torqued to spec. No problems.

 

The copper RTV is specifically made for exhaust. Ive always used it no problem on multiple cars. Seems to make the gaskets last longer. Great for use on classic cars with a leaky choke tube as well (off header)