Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde
Drop of the exhaust manifold occurs from the weight of the muffler assembly repeatedly pulling downward on a very hot exhaust manifold. The thick conical washers under the manifold attachment nuts allow the manifold and studs to expand when hot, so overly to tightening the nuts flattens the washers and defeats their purpose. The gland rings protect the copper type manifold gaskets, but are not necessary if the gasket is steel.
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Just to reiterate what Bob said, the purpose of the rings is to protect the gasket material from being eroded by hot exhaust gases, NOT to support the manifold. They may have that effect to some degree but that's not why you would or wouldn't use them.