I know this is true for the V-8's, unknown if same for the 6's...

It is possible to install the exhaust gaskets backwards. They appear to fit either way but really only seat one way. When I had the exhaust smell in the cabin I checked and found a slight leak one the left bank. When I pulled the manifolds I found that one of the gaskets wasn't quite centered on the port. Close inspection revealed it had been put on reversed. When I install new gaskets now I always fit them to the manifold port before slipping them on the studs.

This was discussed here several years ago. Again, I don't know if it is the same for the 6's, but worth looking into.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.