croaker

I've got some leaks ,and have Aluminum heads. Any tips cause I really dont want to break em off. What type gasket seems to work the best?

birdsmith

I personally like exhaust gaskets that are made of a graphite material; they don't burn off like the white asbestos ones, and I like to seal them with Permatex Ultra-Copper RTV. Fel-Pro sells a 1404/1405/1406 for small block Chevys, they all seem like quality stuff with a steel core...Summit lists a ton of them. Check their website...

gkull

A-heads need studs. Period. FelPro blue steel header gaskest are the best. get them for what ever your exhaust port size is.

bluedawg

I use both mr gasket copper and victor reins graphith at the same time. Works awesome.

johnt365

For my headers, the flange that connects the tubes is not straight. I like this thread because it will document several proven solutions.

I wasn't gonna be the first to admit to double stacking gaskets, but that is what works for me too. Lol. I use a felpro one piece header gasket on each side and get the bolts started. Then I use a set of stock, metal looking 3 piece manifold gaskets and slip them in place.

The gap causing the leak was so wide it seemed like a reasonable solution.

Chinaski

I put Percy's on my '73. So far so good, but I think I still have a minor leak.

bluedawg

I tried both percys header flange and collector flange with no luck. I got a real soft gasket at the collector now, works great. With the percys it was like it would almost w9rk but not quite. Tried the mr gasket copper alone, same as the percys steal leaked. Tried the nitro seal alone. same result. It seemed like either gqsket wasnt thick enough, Both copper and the nitro seal, sealed it up , i dont think it was the material, i think it was the thickness that worked.

redvetracr

the simple fix is to cut the header flange with a hack saw or a Sawzall, two cuts on each flange one cut between the front and middle tubes and one cut between the rear and middle tubes.

croaker

What about bolt removal from the heads that's the part that got me stressed

redvetracr

did you install with antiseize?

croaker

I'm hoping I wasn't in the picture then. Everything else has been done correctly,pretty much.The heads are said to have heli coil inserts. I guess I'll find out

donnie1956

if you are successful at getting all the header bolts out, you should use studs for the reinstall.

croaker

I'm kickin that around for sure

AirborneSilva

I'm glad I read this thread, I was wondering if you shouldn't use studs on aluminum heads, I would be afraid of over tightening bolts and stripping the head out

croaker

My fear also

Street Rat

I'm glad I heard about the studs before installing aluminum heads. I use the FelPro 1404 gaskets.

croaker

The Fel Pro 1404 look pretty thin. Which one were people soaking in water ?

Street Rat

Sorry croaker I gave the wrong part number. I use the Fel Pro 1444.

resdoggie

Header flanges straight and true? My Hookers seal just fine with bolts and Felpro gaskets on my AFR 195's.