Gotubch

I just recently installed some Kooks headers and they are leaking at the flanges. Anyone have any ideas how to get them to seal? Any ideas greatly appreciated not trying to have to pull these off as they were not the easy install headers I was told they were when I purchased them.
Thanks

aaronc7

at the head flange? New gaskets? Torqued down?

Gotubch

Yes at the head flange. New OEM gaskets. I have be to assume they are torqued correctly it's at the shop

grantv

I wouldn't assume anything. Everyone makes mistakes, maybe the installer got distracted and forgot to torque them down right, or maybe a new guy was on the job... Get yourself a torque wrench and check.

bobby777

Ill bet they are not tight enough--snug em down good-

martysauto

If any of the bolts are cross threaded they will feel tight but not clamp correctly. You have to be careful installing the bolts.

Gotubch

They are leaking between the bolts everything is torqued correctly... Like the flange is bowed out on the primary

aaronc7

Is this new or second hand? If second hand you could try spraying some copper gasket maker on both sides of the gasket... Not the ideal solution but it may do the trick.

leadfoot4

When you checked the torque, did you start at center bolts and work outward??

Gotubch

No dice getting these to seal up. Only option we are seeing is to cut them out of the car to install a new set. Any assistance before I go this option would be greatly appreciated.

37pat

Are soft aluminum gaskets available for the LS 1 heads? Some headers are flatter than others, for those that are not flat, cut the flanges between tubes, use soft aluminum or copper gaskets. At least for a traditional SBC that'd be my approach.

grantv

Before tossing them, if gaskets don't work, take them to a machine shop and have them mill the flanges flat if they are indeed warped. Shouldn't cost anywhere near that of new headers....

Gotubch

The issue with fixing them is getting them out. They are not the easy install headers. I am kind of over messing with them and want my car back. My car is a Z06 so I would need LS6 gaskets

grantv

Makes sense then, a lot of work for the non-easy fit Kooks...