Leaking headers
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Leaking headers
Hello, all! I put a set of Hooker headers on my '80 during a recent rebuild. Good fit, etc but I can't stop the leaking at the head flanges. I've tried the gaskets that came with them (the metallic ones), a set of Fel-Pro similar to the originals, and a set of the aluminum ones (pricy) with no success yet.
I put them on cold after cleaning the surfaces, brought the engine up to operating temp, tightened them up, let the motor cool, re-tightened them, and I still have leaks. I've never had this much trouble with headers!
Do I need to do something different? Should I double up on the gaskets and use two on each side? Suggestions are appreciated. I will not put the cast ones back on, so help me get this one handled.
Thanks!
I put them on cold after cleaning the surfaces, brought the engine up to operating temp, tightened them up, let the motor cool, re-tightened them, and I still have leaks. I've never had this much trouble with headers!
Do I need to do something different? Should I double up on the gaskets and use two on each side? Suggestions are appreciated. I will not put the cast ones back on, so help me get this one handled.
Thanks!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Columbus GA
I had a similar problem with the Chrome Hooker Headers. I finally just doubled up the FelPro gaskets and it seems to have worked OK. I do not have a lot of time on the engine as of yet, but no leaks now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I've alway's had good luck with Mr Gasket Ultra Seal's that look conventional, but have a metal mesh woven inside. Never seem to need re-torquing. Careful with some of the metal gasket's, depending on your header to engine head flange connection design. If your header's have slightly protruding tubes past the mounting flange, and the metal gasket's have a bead, almost alway's a mis-match. You're only wanting these for a flush flange mouting surface.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I have had good luck with the following from Earl's. They are alumnium structure with a graphite insert.
http://www.holley.com/29DB3BERL.asp
http://www.holley.com/29DB3BERL.asp
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