Header Gasket failure...again
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Header Gasket failure...again
Shoot.
What header gaskets will last more than 3 or 4 months?
*I have used the regular ol' felpro type gaskets (2 months)
*I have twice used the thicker 1/4 inchers... (3 to 4 months)
*Lastly, I used the thick softer graphite (expensive ones) and am hearing the tell-tale "peck peck" exhaust leak sound. Sure enough, the gasket on the pass. side front of the engine is squishing out...d@mn...
How long do your header gaskets last? Am I over tightening them?
I am using the 3/8 box end wrench so I can't be doing it too tight can I?
What header gaskets will last more than 3 or 4 months?
*I have used the regular ol' felpro type gaskets (2 months)
*I have twice used the thicker 1/4 inchers... (3 to 4 months)
*Lastly, I used the thick softer graphite (expensive ones) and am hearing the tell-tale "peck peck" exhaust leak sound. Sure enough, the gasket on the pass. side front of the engine is squishing out...d@mn...
How long do your header gaskets last? Am I over tightening them?
I am using the 3/8 box end wrench so I can't be doing it too tight can I?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Have you checked to make sure the header flanges are perfectly flat and free of defects? Also, run a T-square over the flange mating surface on the heads and check to make sure it'll all perfectly flat.
How thick is the header flange?
How thick is the header flange?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have used the standard Fel Pro gaskets with Permatex high temp sealant for years. I have taken the headers off a few times and reused the gaskets with no new sealer and they are still not leaking. I use copper gaskets at the collecters. I swear by the high temp Permatex. A local speed shop told me to try this a few years ago and it has worked very well. Coat both sides and let it set up before firing the motor. Retighten the headers after heating up. Do this a few times and you should be OK.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 5
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Header Gaskets
I used these when I rebuilt the engine several years ago and have not had a leak!
Mr. Gasket 7153 - Mr. Gasket CopperSEAL Exhaust Gasket
Embossed Solid Copper
Embossed O-ring gasket design increases sealing pressure around exhaust ports to create a tight, leakproof seal, even on irregular surfaces. Made from long lasting .043” solid copper, these gaskets will not shrink, deteriorate or blowout, so gasket leaks are eliminated!
Bought them from Jegs.
Mr. Gasket 7153 - Mr. Gasket CopperSEAL Exhaust Gasket
Embossed Solid Copper
Embossed O-ring gasket design increases sealing pressure around exhaust ports to create a tight, leakproof seal, even on irregular surfaces. Made from long lasting .043” solid copper, these gaskets will not shrink, deteriorate or blowout, so gasket leaks are eliminated!
Bought them from Jegs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,247
Likes: 210
From: Detroit MI
Many times the gaskets fail because the bolts loosen. Have you found any loose bolts? With my old 1-5/8" primary headers, I was able to use lock washers on my bolts and I never had a gasket failure, and I'm not using any type of copper gaskets, just your typical FelPro's. With my newer 1-3/4" headers, I had to use high-collar lock washers but my bolts are still tight...
Last edited by 69autoXr; Jan 25, 2008 at 01:47 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I used the Earl's "pressure master" gaskets that use soft aluminum inserts, not copper, on my Hooker sidepipe headers. I think the Percy's "dead soft" are pretty similar. Either one will compensate somewhat for an untrue flange.
Last edited by jdmick; Jan 25, 2008 at 08:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Thanks fellas,
After every header gasket change (now that I have done it, many many times :P) ) I make sure that I run it, retighten, run it 50 miles, retighten. Run it 1 week, retighten. and many many variations of re-tightenings inbetween those times too.
Thank you for the Jegs link. I guess I'll buy the copper ones now.
Fortunately they aren't as much $ as the graphite ones were
I have the Stans TriY headers. Very thick flange [Headers have 16 gage tubes and 3/8" thick flange].
. Very very true and no need to run a Tsquare on them, As they were true when I put them on.
I think...(he he he) That the stock heads have square ports and the headers are circular/round ports. I am unsure what gaskets to buy...a round port gasket or a square port gasket...
Any tips?:
Gordon, been autoXing recently?
After every header gasket change (now that I have done it, many many times :P) ) I make sure that I run it, retighten, run it 50 miles, retighten. Run it 1 week, retighten. and many many variations of re-tightenings inbetween those times too.
Thank you for the Jegs link. I guess I'll buy the copper ones now.
Fortunately they aren't as much $ as the graphite ones were
I have the Stans TriY headers. Very thick flange [Headers have 16 gage tubes and 3/8" thick flange].
. Very very true and no need to run a Tsquare on them, As they were true when I put them on.
I think...(he he he) That the stock heads have square ports and the headers are circular/round ports. I am unsure what gaskets to buy...a round port gasket or a square port gasket...
Any tips?:
Gordon, been autoXing recently?
Last edited by Vette80regon; Jan 26, 2008 at 12:01 AM.
