M38a1 exhaust manifold gasket advice

[pockers]

So just as show seaon finishes for the winter i get a noisey ticking sound from the engine - yup exhaust manifold gasket has blown
So new gasket and new brass nuts purchased ( old nuts stripped off when removed)

Manifold off - cleaned /scraped old gasket off - fitted new one and tightened up nuts

All seemed ok but lessthan 2miles now its blowing again - tightend nuts some more but still blowing from top middle

Face off manifoled is a bit pitted but not too bad(or so i thought)

So my question is -----
Do i try tightening the nuts some more - scared that i might strip nuts or worse snap the bolts?
Fit two gaskets?
Use a belt sander on the manifold to get rid of pitting?
Or a more sensible suggestion?

Thanks

[oilleaker1]

Go easy on the studs/nuts. A machine shop can plane your exhaust gasket surface so nice you won't believe it. You'll never fix it again after that. You don't want to snap off a stud------- John

[capescw]

I agree with Oilleaker re the machine shop instead of the belt sander (shudder-shudder), but the correct torque for the intake manifold is 15-20 foot/lbs, and 35-40 for the exhaust manifold (per Chiltons repair manual). Were you aggressive enough?

[wesk]

For those of you with M38's and MB's be sure machine the surfaces of both the intake and exhaust together as a set.

[pockers]

Ok - found a local auto shop who were willing and able
Cost £40
Looking to try and fit it today (got a torque wrench too)

With regards the gaskets , do the metal rings insert into engine block or the manifold ? Manual says insert into exhaust port which I'm assuming is the engine block -
They are a v tight fit into engine block but just drop into manifold

Thanks

[oilleaker1]

I put mine into the exhaust manifold because they wouldn't fit into the block. Have not had any problems. John