I had my manifold replaced with one from eBay last year. Toyosports were out of stock so I bought one without ear shield brackets which I think is the Hamish one. When it was fitted they had trouble with the gaskets. Toyota ones didn't seem to fit and the one that came with it was rubbish. In the end they sealed it with some gooey stuff (technical term) and it seemed OK. Since then it has clearly started to leak and I'm getting lots of pops and bangs.
I was wondering if anyone had had a similar problem and knew a fix other than more goo?
Doesn't sound like a Hamish. It has the brackets for the lower supports.
I don't understand how the gasket wouldn't fit. If the manifold fit, the gasket should as well. Just get a gasket from Toyota
So not a Toyo and not a Hamish. Others on ebay have a poor reputation for fit and quality.
Exhaust sealant should not be used as a substitute for a gasket. Nor should it be used upstream of a cat. (It turns to powder and can cause blockages)
As Shnazzle says, try genuine Toyota crush rings (two needed), make sure both surfaces are clean and smooth.
If that doesn't work, bite the bullet and get a better manifold.
I was just starting to feel that it was just common sense for me to get a shiney new Zero manifold when the garage called and said they'd got it to fit. I think they probably ordered the wrong gaskets last time. Anyway, all done and MOT passed for another year. Hooray! Thank you all for the guidance.