The exhaust manifold, when heated, expands more strongly than the cylinder head. As a result, its contact surface moves over the surface of the head. Heating also causes thermal stresses in the exhaust manifold. When the exhaust manifold is removed from the engine for service, thermal stresses can cause slight distortion.

The exhaust manifold gasket is designed to seal the joint between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head, to keep gases inside the working cavities of the engine exhaust manifold, i.e. where these gases should be.

1. C-CLASS T-Model (S203)
2. C-CLASS (W202)
3. C-CLASS Saloon (W202)
4. C-CLASS T-Model (S202)
5. C-CLASS Break (S202)
6. E-CLASS (W210)
7. E-CLASS Saloon (W210)
8. E-CLASS T-Model (S210)
9. E-CLASS Break (S210)
10. V-CLASS (638/2)
11. VITO Bus (638)
12. VITO Van (638)
13. S-CLASS (W220)
14. S-CLASS Saloon (W220)
15. C-CLASS (W203)
16. C-CLASS Saloon (W203)
17. SPRINTER 2-t Bus (901, 902)
18. SPRINTER 3-t Bus (903)
19. SPRINTER 2-t Van (901, 902)
20. SPRINTER 2-t Platform/Chassis (901, 902)
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The functionality of the exhaust manifold gasket

The FA1 brand Gasket, exhaust manifold seals the joints between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head, traps exhaust gases inside the manifold and counteracts internal pressure and high temperatures.

If the perforated base of the exhaust manifold gasket is lined with a coating on only one side, then when installing such a gasket, lay it with the lined side to the surface of the head, and the perforated metal base to the surface of the exhaust manifold. The manifold will slide over the metal surface of the gasket in the same way it slides over the contact surface of the head.