I have had this annoying ticking from the back exhaust manifold since I got the car. I was pretty much going to live with it, because I thought the job would be difficult. With repair places wanting anywhere from 1500-2k to replace that gasket, I said forget it. Well after reading the haynes manual about this job for at least the 6th time, I said I'm going to do it. I'm glad I did.
If you have the same issue I did, and you have some basic tools and patience you can do the job. Now I didn't need to disconnect the exhaust to get these gaskets out, as the manual explains too do. All the work was done from the top. My engine was cold. I sprayed pb blaster on every bolt and let it sit for 20 minutes. I used a 3/8s 24inch breaker bar with a 17mm socket. I was able to crack every one of them. You will need some extensions and universal extensions. I was able to gently pry back the front and rear manifold and took out the gaskets. As you can see from the rear gasket, I think I found my ticking. Taking everything apart and getting the gaskets out took me 1 hour and 40 minutes. I'll scrape everything and put new gaskets in tomorrow. The first gasket is the front manifold gasket, the second is the rear manifold and you can see it is split.

 

just wanted to say think u for this posted u just saved me alot of time stress and money

 

mrtalkradio......Thanks for your information on the gasket replacement. Articles/posts like yours help to keep people who are unable/ don't have the time to do their own work, from getting ripped off by unscrupulous mechanics/shops. David.