[AMC-List] Exhaust Manifold Gasket and AMC drivers

["John Elle" <johnelle@xxxxxxxxx>]

I think I missed something here on the exhaust manifold gasket. I assume
this is for the I-6. And I unnerstand the factory used a milling process
on the fresh cast iron exhaust manifold so it could be installed with
out a gasket. 
However, when I go to the parts counter and ask for a top line gasket
set I get an intake and exhaust gasket stapled together. The cheap
gasket sets do not include the exhaust gasket.  Logic says to me that if
I did not need the gasket, it would not be available. As I have worked
on a number of I-6 engines I have found that the exhaust manifold warps
like mad. Up to an including the point where the end manifold bolts are
broken right off of the engine and when removed the manifold will not go
over the the replaced end bolts with out woggling out the holes with a
rat tail file. 
Also my 'speriance says that the intake/exhaust manifold bolts on an I-6
engine will work themselves loose over time. It seems to me that
somewhere along the line some one with more experience than I have has
identified a problem and was in the position to identify a solution. Use
a gasket! And then went ahead and packaged the gasket set in such a way
that I got a gasket for the exhaust manifold. Unless of course I was too
cheap to buy the better set and went ahead with pig headed determination
to install the intake and exhaust with out the exhaust manifold gasket.
I HATE exhaust manifold leak noises. 
To me it is a no brainer, buy the good intake/exhaust manifold gasket
set, woggle out the end holes on the exhaust manifold so it will fit
over the studs and tighten everything down tightly. That has worked for
me for more years than I care to count. But to each their own. 
As far as AMC for daily drivers, I gottem. I also have a Saturn and a
Chrysler Town and Country. 
Their ain't no comparison folks. As nice as my Spirit is for cross
country traveling either of the other two cars get better gasoline
mileage, the A/C works better, they travel quieter so I can hear the
radio. The seats are more comfortable, the cruise control works better
and many other basic options that are not available on my Spirit make
traveling that much more enjoyable. Yupper. I have a deep respect for
the versatility and pleasure my AMC cars have brought me and believe me
they are nice. But the newer technology is far better and more
enjoyable. I had planned on restoring my Hornet Wagon and keeping it,
but to be honest, my T&C is a far better vehicle so if I do keep the
wagon, it will be to register it with the movie companies and let it
bring me some income. My go fast street racer Javelin will always have a
home with me but the Spirits day's are numbered now, I can see it
coming. I put a lot of work in the car to keep it as a daily driver but
to be honest. The Saturn has it beat any way you look at it. 
For what it is worth
John. 
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