I need some advice. What is the best method for removing the old copper exhaust manifold seals. I don't want to damage the head.

Thanks
Jim

just use a straight blade screwdriver to gently pry at the seal- work it for a few minutes and the seal will drop without damaging the head

You can bend the tip of an old butter knife 90 degrees and use that also to catch a edge of the gasket.

It's really not that hard. Once in a while you'll get one that's stubborn, but they all come out.

After you replace them, make sure you use the copper nuts on the studs. I'll say that again, make sure you use the copper nuts!
Bruce

a right-angle tip pick always works for me...

Before installing the new copper rings I like to anneal them. I heat them until they're a dull red and let them cool. It softens the copper and makes it more likely that they will seal.

This was discussed here also.

Here

That's what I used. Make sure you get them all out. I found a previous mechanic had put two seals in one side to account for lower worn threads on the studs. I took out the double seals and replaced studs. It never seems to be a straight forward repair on a 914.

Ummmmm................, they're not copper. Unless someone has developed copper that you can pick up with a magnet. The factory DID NOT use lock nuts, and they didn't have problems with the nuts coming loose. The Cap'n

Don't the factory nuts have a slice in the side to provide the self-locking action?

--DD

What do you torque the copper nuts to ?

I've always found the copper (coated) split nuts welded themselves to the stud and bunged up the threads or pulled the studs when removing them.
I never use them, I have a stash of 12mm german nuts that I use. I also use factory exhaust nuts from a V8 Audi.

No. The Cap'n

The copper (looking) nuts I used were slightly ovalized. Got them from AA.

The other question is how to hold the new gaskets in place while you install the exhaust manifold. Last time I used a couple of drops of Superglue to hold them on the head. There must be another way.

I like to stretch them the slightest smidge so that I get a friction fit into the recess in the head. It takes some time and patience to get them fit, but it works every time.

I push them up into the recess in the head, then twist them until the ends of the oval are touching the edges of the recess. The friction seems to hold them in place just well enough to get the exhaust in place.

Except when the exhaust tubes were tweaked, but that's another story...

--DD