jimlj

How hard are the exhaust manifold gaskets to change on a '89 Cummins?
Does anyone have a step by step? Do I have to remove the turbo?

wannadiesel

Depends on how stuck the bolts are. Lots of PB Blaster or Kroil will help.

The turbo doesn't need to come off.

jimbo486

Also, if you can and feel like spending the money, try to locate some stainless hardware for the manifold. It should save from having to deal with the nasty rust when removing them in the future.

Douglas2

hey-Hey!!!,
I loosened the bolts so I could move the manifold away from the head about an eighth of an inch, then went after each one in turn. Wire wheel the bolts and paint with high-temp anti-sieze( the Ni-based stuff ). Getting the bolts loose has been an issue for some folks, fortunately not any ov mine.
cheers,
Douglas