Header gaskets...

[JR74CJ5]

I absolutley can not get my header gaskets to seal. Started with old summit brand headers. Went through 5 sets trying find one that would work. Even tried copper (they were ). Got stage 8 header bolts... Still... Bought new hooker supper competition headers. Still leak developed on one side. Just bought a new set of felpros from napa (gaskets) and just replaced the leaking side. Started it and its still leaking.

Im at my wits end here.

Any and all suggestions? Heads need resurfacing? How do i tell?


Jr

 

[jeepboy45]

I used DOUBLE gaskets once...
Lasted about 8 months before the annoying "tick" began again..maybe not even quite that long.... The double set was the best solution I could find.
I'm now using exhaust manifolds and LOVING IT! I gave my headers away...

But I believe you're better off with a header with thickest surface you can find... One that wont tweak and twist and warp. And I wasnt willing to spend stupid money on a set of headers, and always used the $200 set. Personally I dont believe they have much real HP value. Exhaust manifolds are fine. (for me), unless you've poured thousands into squeezing every last HP out of your engine, and you want that last little tiny bit. IMHO

 

[JR74CJ5]

I run them mostly for the looks and sound.

Since ive bought the nice ones now, so id like to keep them (even thought i thought of throwing em in the corner )

But i know theres no huge hp gain ( though i lie to myself often )

 

[CJ007]

I use hi temp silicon on my manifold gaskets. It seems to help.

I did some searching for headers and this thread has some decent info Header gasket won't seal, how to fix? - Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums

 

[derf]

I used these on the AMC 360 in my truck. Light torque (25-35 ft lbs) with lock washers and no more leak.

Amazon.com: Remflex RF1001 Graphite Exhaust Manifold Gasket: Automotive

 

[CRETE4U]

I made my own out of stainless and had to do some welding and grinding on the flanges to stop them from leaking. Cutting the flanges seems like it will help too.

 

[Old Dog]

I use hi temp silicon on my manifold gaskets. It seems to help.

use the high temp RED stuff, it's always worked for me.

 

[7D8CJ]

I use hi temp silicon on my manifold gaskets. It seems to help.

I did some searching for headers and this thread has some decent info Header gasket won't seal, how to fix? - Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums

High temp RTV is the trick I learned from a custom exhaust guy.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Thanls guys. Trying the rtv, waiting til the morning to see if it worked or not. Crossing my fingers no leak


Jr

 

[Niedhogg]

I made my own out of stainless and had to do some welding and grinding on the flanges to stop them from leaking. Cutting the flanges seems like it will help too.

I often wondered if cutting the flanges would help, I'm betting the first thing I do when I start having trouble with mine is cut the flange plating out between the ports, it would also make it so I can change my spark plugs too!

 

[ken98k]

I've never understood the facination people have with headers.

You can go to any forum that deals with vehicle/engine performance
and you'll see the same complaint about headers. Whether it's a mustang, or a vette, or a pick-up, or a cj, it's my headers leak, or my headers rattle, or my header bolts keep falling out.

The truth is unless you've got your gas pedal floored most of the time, headers do nothing except give you extra opportunities to spend time under the hood rather than behaind the wheel.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Hey guys, The red high temp RTV worked. I was scared it was not going to hold up to the heat, so never tried it. But it worked out nicely.

Thanks all,

Ken you are right, they do not do much for me. I like the sound of them, especially when on the beach in pismo, and uncapped. and like the way they look.

My fenderwell headers also free up room in between the frames for me to check and work on stuff easier (somewhat )

Also, CRETE4U & Niedhogg with my summit brand headers, I did actually cut the flanges on my headers, and try to get them to seal up that way too. My stepfather told me to try it, they apparently used to do it a lot. It didn't help much for those headers, but they were pretty crappy. With these Hooker super comp tuned headers, I just spent $600.00 on the whole set up, and was definitely trying to avoid butchering them up yet... But yes I have heard this is a possible option to help you individually seal each section of them separately.

So anyways guys, got them all done and sealed. The RTV high temp seems to be the "trick". I put some on the header flange (a good bead around all ports) then put the gasket on the headers then put a bead around all ports on the heads themselves, and tightened them up nice. left them overnight, and started it up in the morning... All good.



~ JR

 

[jeepboy45]

I've never understood the facination people have with headers.

You can go to any forum that deals with vehicle/engine performance
and you'll see the same complaint about headers. Whether it's a mustang, or a vette, or a pick-up, or a cj, it's my headers leak, or my headers rattle, or my header bolts keep falling out.

The truth is unless you've got your gas pedal floored most of the time, headers do nothing except give you extra opportunities to spend time under the hood rather than behaind the wheel.

I concur...
Bought my 79 CJ7 with a V8 used in 1986. The PO had put headers on, and I have done the same through the years. However, I finally went back to cast iron manifolds a few months ago. With a dynaflow muffler (two inlets, 1 outlet) and a nice new exhaust, it sound mean as hell! I personally dont know how a header could produce any better sound, as the muffler (or lack thereof) is going to determine most of that.

@JR74CJ5: Glad to hear the RTV worked... I'll file that one away for friends with the same issue....

 

[ken98k]

Hey guys, The red high temp RTV worked. I was scared it was not going to hold up to the heat, so never tried it. But it worked out nicely.

Thanks all,

Ken you are right, they do not do much for me. I like the sound of them, especially when on the beach in pismo, and uncapped. and like the way they look.

My fenderwell headers also free up room in between the frames for me to check and work on stuff easier (somewhat )

Also, CRETE4U & Niedhogg with my summit brand headers, I did actually cut the flanges on my headers, and try to get them to seal up that way too. My stepfather told me to try it, they apparently used to do it a lot. It didn't help much for those headers, but they were pretty crappy. With these Hooker super comp tuned headers, I just spent $600.00 on the whole set up, and was definitely trying to avoid butchering them up yet... But yes I have heard this is a possible option to help you individually seal each section of them separately.

So anyways guys, got them all done and sealed. The RTV high temp seems to be the "trick". I put some on the header flange (a good bead around all ports) then put the gasket on the headers then put a bead around all ports on the heads themselves, and tightened them up nice. left them overnight, and started it up in the morning... All good.



~ JR

Glad the rtv worked for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya!