Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!!
:confused: I have tried several types of exhaust gaskets and can not get a seal at the heads. The last were the aluminum embossed type. Anyone have a sure cure. I'm thinking of trying hi temp silicon on the next set of gaskets. Anyone had luck with a certain brand of gasket. I also have thought of trying to file the flanges at the welds, but afraid I'll just make it worse!!!! :mad :mad HELP!!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (chadman)
I used Earl's Pressure seals and have not had any problems in over a year. I do still check the bolts every month or so, but none have loosened.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville,Tn,USA TN
Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (1979toy)
Steve,
I used the gaskets that came in the header kit paper fel-pro's I think with no problems. I started with a set of Percy aluminum ones but they leaked so I used the ones in the kit. Go figure. Start in the middle tightening and work out. Recheck the bolts after warming them up. I used the Stage 8 bolts with the retainers but have yet to put the retainers on for I am in a frame off. I have pulled the headers on and off a few times already.
Neil in Tenn
I used the gaskets that came in the header kit paper fel-pro's I think with no problems. I started with a set of Percy aluminum ones but they leaked so I used the ones in the kit. Go figure. Start in the middle tightening and work out. Recheck the bolts after warming them up. I used the Stage 8 bolts with the retainers but have yet to put the retainers on for I am in a frame off. I have pulled the headers on and off a few times already.
Neil in Tenn
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: des moines iowa
Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (chadman)
i use the stock gm cast iron manifold gaskets on my hooker super comp's and double them up at each port. just check them once in a while! there are cheap too
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (chadman)
Before I installed my headers, I ran a straight edge from one end to the other and saw quite a bit of daylight between the header tube and the straight edge. A good file, and a couple of hours later, all was well, and just used the std. cheapest gaskets, and stage 8 bolts. No leaks.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: High Point, NC
Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (chadman)
I have the Fel-Pro paper type on mine and didn't have a leak since I have the set up on which is over ten years. If iI were you I would use copper instead of aluminum gaskets.
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (chadman)
Are you sure there is no warpage? Use a straightedge to look for warpage, if you find any, and it's real minor, you might be able to do a little filing and make it work. I had to do this to mine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: delmont pa
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Re: Hooker sidepipe header leaks at HEADS!!! (chadman)
the welds help to seal,but if you saw the header flange into 3 seperate pieces if you have a small block will help it seal because each section can move where it has to to seal. if you have a BBC you need the cut it into 4 seperate pieces. :chevy