New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

Finally got the engine & tranny (5 speed) in my '80 EL C ..... this week installed a brand new set of HEDMAN HEADERS (yes they fit) and a "X-Pipe" 2 1/2 exhaust system.

Now that the car is quiet enough to hear what is going on I can hear/see there is a leak between the left side header & head.

For the install new gaskets were used along with new headers bolts and all bolts torqued down.

Has anyone else had trouble with HEDMAN HEADERS like this???? Any suggestions for a "fix" or will I have to replace the header???

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

Remove the header, use a level/flat surface and ensure the mounting flange is straight. It not, pound it flat or weld to build it up. or just use more gasket in that area.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

Try it again with a new gasket and if that dont work
return the headers, they are brand new and I'm sure you spent enough on them not to have to fiddle with it.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

You can toss the gaskets and use the high temp rtv sealer.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

It really does work. I haven't used a header gasket on the Nova in years,, just the orange Permetex hitemp. BUT, those are Lemons headers with a nice thick flat flange and Stal bolt pattern, track only car. I've never tired it on a set of street headers. How does it hold up on the street and or a daily driver Alex?

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

I have thought about trying the "Orange Permetex Hi-Temp" but also wonder how it holds up for "daily use".

So I "assume" the Permetex would be used "without" the gasket???

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

are you using the header gaskets that came with the headers? if so i would change them out to a thicker set of percys or felpros.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

I have the same problem with a set of Hedman's on my 454 in the '72. These are their $89 street headers and I have to run 2 gaskets on each side to make it seal. The tube of the primary tube sticks out past the flange a bit and causes them to leak like a *****..........

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

Did the headers leak right away or after a couple of heat cycles? THe gasket will set and the bolts will loosen up. If there was a couple of heat cycles on the motor you may want to check the bolts again. Typically takes 2 or 3 re-torques to get them to stay tight.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

Not sure.... ran it a few times with "open headers" ..... could hear it until the exhaust system was on.

Will work on it tomorrow....

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

I ran it that way for 2 years on my Turbo Mustang - no issues. My truck still has gaskets because thats the way I bought it and they're not leaking. When they do, RTV sealer is going on.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

I have had three sets of hedman headers on my truck and never had an issue. They were the cheaper ones to.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

If all else fails cut the flanges on either side of the two center primarys. I have seen this done on small blocks. I assume it lets them flex a little.

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

as stated earlier the crap paper gaskets that come with headers will leak. get a set of fel pro header gaskets and you wont have any more issues

Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking
 

I am running hedman street headers with the crap paper gaskets and no leaks, had them on there for 1.5 years.
I also retorqued them after a few heat cylces and I have a good flat head surface that they bolt to.