header gaskets
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,107
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From: RI
header gaskets
I have a set of fel-pro copper 1406 header gaskets on my 93 with SW headers. I have a ticking noise coming from either #6 or #8. My mechanic assures me that its the gaskets or that the header flanges are garbage. I ran some seafoam and didn't notice any leaks. I'd like to know whats the best money can buy that assure NO blowouts. This ticking noise is the only thing really bothering me.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 32
From: The Top of Utah
I have no idea how Seafoam checks for exhaust leaks. Maybe they have some other products. The FelPro 1406 exhaust gaskets in MY catalog are steel core composition gaskets. No matter. You can try tightening them, and maybe you'll get lucky. The gaskets you are using are good gaskets. The secret is that once they are installed, they should be re-tightened after each heat cycle, for the first few. That is not just for those gaskets, but any you may select. You can spend a ton of money on the trick gasket and header bolts of the month, but a few re-tightenings will save money and future problems. People will respond that they used this gasket and that bolt and never had a problem. I don't doubt their words. It is just that all that just isn't necessary.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 0
From: RI
I'm going to trailer the car to a corvette mechanic a hundred miles away and have himgo through the whole car. I need an alignment anyways. If it turns out it is the gaskets, I think I will use the percys or whatever this guy suggests.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 0
From: RI
UPDATE...
Under further inspection, I rigged up a stethiscope with 4' of rubber hose and a small funnel (looks like college days). Anyways, I found the source. It's at the rear of the #6 cylinder. I don't think that the aluminum spacers that Stainless Works gave held up to the torque and there is CO2 on the spacer. I took it out and added an arp bolt and the tick was still there. I'm assuming that while I ran the car for a few cycles, the leak became worse to the point where it was totally blown. I'mgoing to find some header studs and a set of new percys
Under further inspection, I rigged up a stethiscope with 4' of rubber hose and a small funnel (looks like college days). Anyways, I found the source. It's at the rear of the #6 cylinder. I don't think that the aluminum spacers that Stainless Works gave held up to the torque and there is CO2 on the spacer. I took it out and added an arp bolt and the tick was still there. I'm assuming that while I ran the car for a few cycles, the leak became worse to the point where it was totally blown. I'mgoing to find some header studs and a set of new percys
