My merc manifolds show a little sign of weeping on the outside which means it is or will be doing it on the inside - I miss my Gils. Anyway, going to yank them and put new gaskets in. Should I use a sealant with the gaskets and if so what kind of permatex? Also, anyone know the torque specs?

Thanx

Per the Merc service manual, the torque spec for the manifolds and risers 25 lb-ft. Be sure to use Merc OEM gaskets !! They are to be installed dry (no sealant).

I use a Permatex product called "Hylomar"

If the sealing flange is pitted from rust/corrosion you may need to have the manifolds surfaced to keep them from leaking. You can surface them yourself if you have access to a large belt sander or take them to a machine shop.

thanx guys, my friend also used a permatex product that was sprayed on the gasket. I don't think pitting is a problem, it's a 96.