When I was removing my engine I notice it did not have any exhaust gaskets on it between the heads and the exhaust manifolds. This is a 350, 295 hp that has not had any wrenching other then motor mounts, starter and carb. rebuild. Was it common for them not to use exhaust gaskets from the factory?
Another question about the heat riser. It has two springs on it. I can see what the larger flat bymetal spring dose but what is the much smaller wire spring for? One end of the wire spring has rusted off and I was wondering if I need it.

Roger

GM discontinued the use of gaskets between the manifolds and heads in 1964.
They still came in common gasket sets for a long time and many mechanics added them even if they weren't originally there.

The second spring is just a 'helper' to assist in opening the valve - it was/is common for them to be rusted off or missing not long into the vehicles life.
The 'Thermo-BiMetalic' spring will usually keep working the valve just fine - until the shaft rusts tight ...
GM's "Heat Riser Lube" was always the best product for freeing them back up :thumbsup:

Rick's sells a block that replaces the heat riser. I installed this because when my car sat for a long time the riser had stuck shut. When you fire up the car for the first time in a long time, you don't think about this and the next thing you know the paint on your intake is turning black on the heat passages. I'd recommend getting the block and being done with it.

The second spring is just a 'helper' to assist in opening the valve - it was/is common for them to be rusted off or missing not long into the vehicles life. And here I thought it was an 'anti-rattle' spring.

And here I thought it was an 'anti-rattle' spring.
LOL l:)
probably does that too :thumbsup:
It keeps some tension in the 'unwrap' direction of the shaft - so I would guess it does a good job of keeping the shaft from bouncing.
I've heard then called all kind of things :yes:
I quess it would sound really stupid to call it the "Spring Assist Spring" :D

I just slid the spring over the lever on mine so it always stays open.

GM discontinued the use of gaskets between the manifolds and heads in 1964.

No Chevy V-8 (from the first one built in 1954) ever had exhaust manifold gaskets; the design was metal-to-metal right from the beginning. :thumbsup:

No Chevy V-8 (from the first one built in 1954) ever had exhaust manifold gaskets; the design was metal-to-metal right from the beginning. :thumbsup:

I quess I never worked on the older ones when they were "new" :o
I was told by an old mechanic years ago never to use them on the 'newer' (after 1965) manifolds and to use the original 'french locks' on the ends after properly torquing the inner bolts to the higher spec. and the outers to the lower spec.
This would prevent leaks and cracked manifolds - he was right about the leaks and cracked manifolds at least :D