When an engine is new, exhaust manifold gaskets are usually unnecessary. But as an engine ages, the wear and tear of numerous heating and cooling cycles can cause the manifold sealing surfaces to warp and corrode. So when the manifold is being serviced, chances are that an exhaust manifold gasket will be required to provide an effective seal.

Federal-Mogul's Fel-Pro® brand offers gaskets designed and constructed specifically for this repair environment. Many Fel-Pro exhaust manifold gaskets are constructed with a fiber facing material on one side and perforated steel on the other. This Fel-Pro design seals the exhaust manifold while allowing it to move on the metal surface of the gasket, just as it does on the metal surface of the head in the absence of a gasket.