exhaust leak w/headers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rogerick · 03-30-2002, 09:24 PM

Guys, I am having problems fixing an exhaust leak with headers on my truck. What are some of the ways you can fix this. I had an individual tell me today to use regular exhaust manifold gaskets (with square ports) on round port headers, what do you think.

71 swb
82 2wd blazer

Super Chevy · 03-30-2002, 09:29 PM

WOW? wtf i could have swore i replied to this post,hmm,anyway try high-proformance gaskets and after running your motor for about 10 min. go back and tighten all the header bolts as much as you can

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www.superchevy.cjb.net

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1972 Custom Deluxe/10
mild 350: Hedmen headers and dual 3" exhaust ,harlin sharp roller rockers ,MSD ingnition ,Mallory dual point K&N 14x4 air cleaner ,Holley 600 4bbl ,Edelbrok Proformer intake
TH350 with lock up verter and 1600 stall
American Racing 15x8.5 and michelan 28x8.55

CHEVY makes HORSEpower,while ford makes ponypower

Bowtie or nothing!

Gordo · 03-30-2002, 09:33 PM

I use the "Ultra-Seal" premium header gaskets by Mr. Gasket, part #5902. They cost around $22.00 and hold up better than most for the money.

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi
Killingworth, Connecticut

Super Chevy · 03-30-2002, 09:38 PM

i also run those gordo,they seal VERY good for me,but i got mine for $18.99 :P

**BIG ORANGE** · 03-30-2002, 10:00 PM

First of all lay your headers down a nd place a straight edge on it and make sure the mounting surface is perfectly flat,if you find high spots use a file to correct.Then buy copperseal header gaskets and install,after the first run retighten,DONE.

try this it works.

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BIG ORANGE 1971 SUBURBAN
1970/90-Little Buck's Truck (ONE DAY)
USED TRUCK PARTS 4 SALE

**68SWB4x4** · 03-30-2002, 11:07 PM

cut the flanges with a sawzall

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My Truck pictures

www.xframeimpala.com

68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET"
56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls
64ImpalaSS 327
70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350
IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET

meathead95 · 03-30-2002, 11:17 PM

get two sets of gaskets and double them up thats the only way I got mine to seal on the s-10

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83 s-10 355/350
72 1/2 ton 4x4 swb fleet(project)
96 cutlass supreme
66 ford mustang
69 c-20(driver)

lukecp · 03-30-2002, 11:38 PM

I have had good luck with Felpro header gaskets. They are the best you can get without going to copper header gaskets. If you are having problems keeping the bolts tight, try some allen wrench header bolts. It is easier to put them in. I have a combination of both 3/8" hex head bolts, and the allen wrench bolts on my headers, and i haven't touched a gasket in almost a year. Good luck!

------------------
Lucas

"Another proud owner of one of the coolest trucks ever built"

drop_shift@hotmail.com

My Daily-Driver: '72 Chevy LWB Custom/10. Rebuilt 350, 300 HP thanks to a few go-fast goodies. Ochre with a white top. Future plans include a frame off restoration, and maybe a blown 383.

jostrans68 · 03-30-2002, 11:40 PM

I will be the smart @$$ take them off and install ramhorns thats what I did and I will never go back. Tired of constantly fiddling with the headers. Just my $.02

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68 c20 in progress 327 TH400 tach dash Disc Brakes and soon 3.90 rear gears.. have many new parts now just need the time..... Sound Familar
Tacoma Wa. The Rain capitol of the USA

[This message has been edited by jostrans68 (edited March 30, 2002).]

BUXMAN66 · 03-31-2002, 12:13 AM

if you use a good gasket you can run headers for a long time. gasket material was progressed big time in last 10yrs. w/ the introduction of "dead soft" aluminum or copper materials.stay away from the old paper& cardboard style gaskets.like the auto-zone mr.gasket type!

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'68 swb 350/350 w/edelbrock toal perf.pkg.headers,flowmstrs.no rust of the mid-west on this one!

lukecp · 03-31-2002, 12:17 AM

Like everyone else says, headers should be pretty reliable if you use good gaskets. I haven't even had any problems with heat killing my starter. One of the best upgrades i ever made, more power, a few more MPG, plus cooler sound!

Super Chevy · 03-31-2002, 12:18 AM

i have mr gasket ultra seal from autozone,they seal fine,but they are made of some compressed matreial, my .02

72.

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www.superchevy.cjb.net

----------------------

1972 Custom Deluxe/10
mild 350: Hedmen headers and dual 3" exhaust ,harlin sharp roller rockers ,MSD ingnition ,Mallory dual point K&N 14x4 air cleaner ,Holley 600 4bbl ,Edelbrok Proformer intake
TH350 with lock up verter and 1600 stall
American Racing 15x8.5 and michelan 28x8.55

CHEVY makes HORSEpower,while ford makes ponypower

Bowtie or nothing!

69 longhorn · 03-31-2002, 12:26 AM

The Mr G ultra seal,or Felpro header gaskets are good gaskets. If you keep after the bolts for the first couple weeks(tighten after cool down),& be sure to have a set of hangers not too far from the collectors,you shouldnt have any troubles keeping the headers sealed......69 longhorn.

superchevy · 03-31-2002, 10:02 AM

I've had to replace my left side gasket every couple of months since I installed my Edelbrock headers last October, and I'm going to be replacing it again today. I finally decided to go with the "dead soft" copper or aluminum gaskets and called Summit Tuesday to order some. Told my problem to the Summit guy, and he said I must have a warped flange and to use a straight edge to check them, and that I should go with a composite gasket - not the copper or aluminum - as they are thicker than the aluminum or copper.
I went to O'Reilly's yesterday, checked out the copper vs. composite gasket thickness, and decided to try the composite again - after I check for flange straightness.
Gotta go change them now.
SC

jay6891 · 03-31-2002, 10:38 AM

I have used the double gasket deal on mine. Been on there for 2 years now and have not had a problem. I did go back and tighten after the first warm up though. I did go to the dead soft aluminum on the collector. Kepted blowing them. From what I have seen the alum are thicker than the copper. A buddy of mine put the copper on his 442 yesterday and they leak bad. I wasn't there, so I do not know if he even cleaned the old gasket off. He has done that before.

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68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights.Parts bought but not installed>> 1985 front disc suppension, ford 9" posi with disc.Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill. Steel Horse leather seats with console. My wife is gonna kill me.

03-30-2002, 09:24 PM	#1
rogerick Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: greenwood, mississippi Posts: 28	exhaust leak w/headers Guys, I am having problems fixing an exhaust leak with headers on my truck. What are some of the ways you can fix this. I had an individual tell me today to use regular exhaust manifold gaskets (with square ports) on round port headers, what do you think. 71 swb 82 2wd blazer

03-30-2002, 09:33 PM	#3
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	I use the "Ultra-Seal" premium header gaskets by Mr. Gasket, part #5902. They cost around $22.00 and hold up better than most for the money. ------------------ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi Killingworth, Connecticut __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

03-30-2002, 11:07 PM	#6
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	cut the flanges with a sawzall ------------------ My Truck pictures www.xframeimpala.com 68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET" 56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls 64ImpalaSS 327 70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350 IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

03-30-2002, 11:17 PM	#7
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	get two sets of gaskets and double them up thats the only way I got mine to seal on the s-10 ------------------ 83 s-10 355/350 72 1/2 ton 4x4 swb fleet(project) 96 cutlass supreme 66 ford mustang 69 c-20(driver) __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

03-30-2002, 11:38 PM	#8
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I have had good luck with Felpro header gaskets. They are the best you can get without going to copper header gaskets. If you are having problems keeping the bolts tight, try some allen wrench header bolts. It is easier to put them in. I have a combination of both 3/8" hex head bolts, and the allen wrench bolts on my headers, and i haven't touched a gasket in almost a year. Good luck! ------------------ Lucas "Another proud owner of one of the coolest trucks ever built" drop_shift@hotmail.com My Daily-Driver: '72 Chevy LWB Custom/10. Rebuilt 350, 300 HP thanks to a few go-fast goodies. Ochre with a white top. Future plans include a frame off restoration, and maybe a blown 383. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

03-30-2002, 09:29 PM	#2
Super Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,025	WOW? wtf i could have swore i replied to this post,hmm,anyway try high-proformance gaskets and after running your motor for about 10 min. go back and tighten all the header bolts as much as you can ------------------ www.superchevy.cjb.net ---------------------- 1972 Custom Deluxe/10 mild 350: Hedmen headers and dual 3" exhaust ,harlin sharp roller rockers ,MSD ingnition ,Mallory dual point K&N 14x4 air cleaner ,Holley 600 4bbl ,Edelbrok Proformer intake TH350 with lock up verter and 1600 stall American Racing 15x8.5 and michelan 28x8.55 CHEVY makes HORSEpower,while ford makes ponypower Bowtie or nothing!

03-30-2002, 09:38 PM	#4
Super Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,025	i also run those gordo,they seal VERY good for me,but i got mine for $18.99 :P

03-30-2002, 10:00 PM	#5
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,779	First of all lay your headers down a nd place a straight edge on it and make sure the mounting surface is perfectly flat,if you find high spots use a file to correct.Then buy copperseal header gaskets and install,after the first run retighten,DONE. try this it works. ------------------ BIG ORANGE 1971 SUBURBAN 1970/90-Little Buck's Truck (ONE DAY) USED TRUCK PARTS 4 SALE __________________ Things happen for a reason!

03-30-2002, 11:40 PM	#9
jostrans68 Jostrans68 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Bloomington indiana Posts: 1,182	I will be the smart @$$ take them off and install ramhorns thats what I did and I will never go back. Tired of constantly fiddling with the headers. Just my $.02 ------------------ 68 c20 in progress 327 TH400 tach dash Disc Brakes and soon 3.90 rear gears.. have many new parts now just need the time..... Sound Familar Tacoma Wa. The Rain capitol of the USA [This message has been edited by jostrans68 (edited March 30, 2002).] __________________ [CGTW Member former 67-72 now with a 96 silverado

03-31-2002, 12:13 AM	#10
BUXMAN66 go bucks! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: MIAMISBURG OHIO USA Posts: 803	if you use a good gasket you can run headers for a long time. gasket material was progressed big time in last 10yrs. w/ the introduction of "dead soft" aluminum or copper materials.stay away from the old paper& cardboard style gaskets.like the auto-zone mr.gasket type! ------------------ '68 swb 350/350 w/edelbrock toal perf.pkg.headers,flowmstrs.no rust of the mid-west on this one! __________________ '68 swb 1/2t 350/350th '86 lngbd 3/4 TON parts getter '49 gmc 1/2 t 5 window 350/350th '96 gmc sonoma sle ext-cab. hey it's a 4cyl. 5 spd and good on gas y'know?

03-31-2002, 12:17 AM	#11
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Like everyone else says, headers should be pretty reliable if you use good gaskets. I haven't even had any problems with heat killing my starter. One of the best upgrades i ever made, more power, a few more MPG, plus cooler sound! __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

03-31-2002, 12:18 AM	#12
Super Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,025	i have mr gasket ultra seal from autozone,they seal fine,but they are made of some compressed matreial, my .02 72. ------------------ www.superchevy.cjb.net ---------------------- 1972 Custom Deluxe/10 mild 350: Hedmen headers and dual 3" exhaust ,harlin sharp roller rockers ,MSD ingnition ,Mallory dual point K&N 14x4 air cleaner ,Holley 600 4bbl ,Edelbrok Proformer intake TH350 with lock up verter and 1600 stall American Racing 15x8.5 and michelan 28x8.55 CHEVY makes HORSEpower,while ford makes ponypower Bowtie or nothing!

03-31-2002, 12:26 AM	#13
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	The Mr G ultra seal,or Felpro header gaskets are good gaskets. If you keep after the bolts for the first couple weeks(tighten after cool down),& be sure to have a set of hangers not too far from the collectors,you shouldnt have any troubles keeping the headers sealed......69 longhorn. __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

03-31-2002, 10:02 AM	#14
superchevy Got big-block? Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,453	I've had to replace my left side gasket every couple of months since I installed my Edelbrock headers last October, and I'm going to be replacing it again today. I finally decided to go with the "dead soft" copper or aluminum gaskets and called Summit Tuesday to order some. Told my problem to the Summit guy, and he said I must have a warped flange and to use a straight edge to check them, and that I should go with a composite gasket - not the copper or aluminum - as they are thicker than the aluminum or copper. I went to O'Reilly's yesterday, checked out the copper vs. composite gasket thickness, and decided to try the composite again - after I check for flange straightness. Gotta go change them now. SC __________________ '68 CST SWB factory 396/T400 buddy buckets, a/c, ps, pb '72 Corvette convertible 454/4spd/ac, ps, pb '73 GMC Sierra Grande short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '77 K5 Blazer black on red, 350/T350/NP205 ps, pb, ac all original '78 GMC Sierra Classic short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '72 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 38 built. '73 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 71 built. '75 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 25 built. SOLD! '72 GMC K25 4x4 468/4L80e/NP205 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...23#post4324423 SOLD!'55 Chevy gasser 496/4spd build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...96#post4324396

03-31-2002, 10:38 AM	#15
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	I have used the double gasket deal on mine. Been on there for 2 years now and have not had a problem. I did go back and tighten after the first warm up though. I did go to the dead soft aluminum on the collector. Kepted blowing them. From what I have seen the alum are thicker than the copper. A buddy of mine put the copper on his 442 yesterday and they leak bad. I wasn't there, so I do not know if he even cleaned the old gasket off. He has done that before. ------------------ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights.Parts bought but not installed>> 1985 front disc suppension, ford 9" posi with disc.Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill. Steel Horse leather seats with console. My wife is gonna kill me. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.



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