BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 1
From: Maple
BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please...
i am going to need to change my header gaskets as they are cracking to pieces...can this be done by removing bolts and prying headers away from heads and sliding in the gasket...or do i need to remove all together....?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: macon, ga
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (1bad69)
i removed all bolts except the first one and last one. then i loosened them just enough to remove the old gasket and droped in the new one. it took 45 min. max, and the headers stayed on the car the entire time.
[Modified by ykp53, 8:17 AM 3/12/2004]
[Modified by ykp53, 8:17 AM 3/12/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (1bad69)
Mike
I have had excellent results with these on my small block, even when reused:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...57#largerimage
But the collector version did not work so well, I think they make the insert too thin for it.
I have had excellent results with these on my small block, even when reused:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...57#largerimage
But the collector version did not work so well, I think they make the insert too thin for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (1bad69)
Take out all the bolts except the two on each end of the header. Just loosen those two to allow the header to move away from the head about 1/4". Most header gaskets have slots in the ends where the bolts go instead of holes for the very intent that they be slid in between the head and the header flange. Then just re-install the bolts you removed and tighten the end bolts back down.
Don't skimp on the header gasket quality. Buy steel reinforced or the soft aluminum. The cheapo asbestos gaskets will blow back out in no time.
Don't skimp on the header gasket quality. Buy steel reinforced or the soft aluminum. The cheapo asbestos gaskets will blow back out in no time.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (LemansBlue68)
Just lossen the bolts and slide off the gasket, that's the reason for the "hooks" on the gasket. A good quality gasket makes all the difference. :cheers:
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (1bad69)
i was thinking about copper gaskets....
Brett :thumbs:
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (Brettmc)
i was thinking about copper gaskets....
If you want the best, go with the Earl's gaskets that Fevre linked you to in a previous reply. I tried the copper on mine and they leaked like a ho on a Saturday nite. I got the Earl's and, viola, no leaks!! I haven't even had to go back a retighten them. They are some really fine gaskets.
Brett :thumbs:
If you want the best, go with the Earl's gaskets that Fevre linked you to in a previous reply. I tried the copper on mine and they leaked like a ho on a Saturday nite. I got the Earl's and, viola, no leaks!! I haven't even had to go back a retighten them. They are some really fine gaskets.
Brett :thumbs:
Plus you can replace the inserts at a little lower cost then for whole set up. I even gasket matched them to my heads, just bolt them to the head and trim the excess from around the exhaust port. But be carefull because the inserts can pop out and they are soft and will bend/break if you man handle them, I am speaking from experience. :(
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (Fevre)
But the collector version did not work so well, I think they make the insert too thin for it.
Brett :thumbs:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (1bad69)
You will have to be luckyier then I have ever been when dealing with header gaskets. Mine always come out in pieces and I end up scrapping it off in places with a large scrapper. Something that is not too easy with the headers in place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (Brettmc)
I only have second-hand experience ... but good advice.
Get the graphite foil gaskets that Chris has shown above.
From 73ken73: I put these on, and I have never had a leak or issues
with loose bolts - years later. (almost unbelievable)
A guy (Chuck) that Ken used to work with is a PhD in material science or
something like that. He says he wouldn't use anything but graphite foil.
Oh ... he was referring to super high pressure/super high heat chemical
processing equipment. I guess the C3 headers would be lower pressure.
Expensive .. but cheaper than buying several 'cheap' sets.
:seeya
Get the graphite foil gaskets that Chris has shown above.
From 73ken73: I put these on, and I have never had a leak or issues
with loose bolts - years later. (almost unbelievable)
A guy (Chuck) that Ken used to work with is a PhD in material science or
something like that. He says he wouldn't use anything but graphite foil.
Oh ... he was referring to super high pressure/super high heat chemical
processing equipment. I guess the C3 headers would be lower pressure.
Expensive .. but cheaper than buying several 'cheap' sets.
:seeya
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 1
From: Maple
Re: BB guys with sidepipes...step inside please... (norvalwilhelm)
You will have to be luckyier then I have ever been when dealing with header gaskets. Mine always come out in pieces and I end up scrapping it off in places with a large scrapper. Something that is not too easy with the headers in place.