Exhaust Manifold Gasket Leak? M50/S50/S52

[mcw323is]

Hey All - I've been chasing a "tick" on my S52 powered E34, basically since I bought it. I have a box of 24 new lifters I keep putting off dealing with, but I was doing some reading and I had to wonder if it could also be a header/manifold gasket leak:

IMG_1191.jpg

The tick does seem to sound strongest from this side and I can see soot that traces back to the connection to the head. Should I try and clean it and see if it reappears?

[circuit.heart]

If you have the tools to replace lifters yourself, you're more than well equipped enough to replace the header studs and gaskets. Old M5X leak from there all the damn time, x100 if the gaskets aren't factory. The genuine parts aren't dirt cheap but it's well worth the peace of mind IMO to do it once and forget about it. I chased this exact exhaust leak for 2 years until BMW gaskets were slapped on.

[mcw323is]

If you have the tools to replace lifters yourself, you're more than well equipped enough to replace the header studs and gaskets. Old M5X leak from there all the damn time, x100 if the gaskets aren't factory. The genuine parts aren't dirt cheap but it's well worth the peace of mind IMO to do it once and forget about it. I chased this exact exhaust leak for 2 years until BMW gaskets were slapped on.

Ha I guess thats the thing, I don't have the tools to replace the lifters, just the parts. I bought them when they got down to like $11 a piece knowing that'd at least save me some money when I had to pay someone to do it. I can do a lot of things myself but I'm scared I'd really be in over my head.

I appreciate the feedback though...I'm thinking it might make sense to do the gaskets as that'd be a comparatively way cheaper repair if it solved the issue.

[ross1]

An exhaust leak there should leave telltale carbon deposits, tough to see if under the flange.
Get yourself a length of hose, hold one end to your ear and poke around the ex flanges with the other end. You'll hear it that way if one is present.