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#1 |
454 MAKES IT ROAR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex, U.K
Posts: 2,701
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Header Gasket Leak
Is there a certain type of header gasket or tips/tricks to installing gaskets to ensure they don't leak? The P.O had a pair of gaskets each side on my truck and it had always blown a little, so I decided it was time to replace all that with two new gaskets from Mr gasket, and when I first ran it on the new ones it seemed Ok but now it's blowing again particularly on the D.S, I was able to give the bolts an extra tighten so thought that was the problem....but no, it's still blowing.
The fact that my headers had two pair each side is making me think that this maybe some long running problem with my truck, any ideas?
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Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger |
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#2 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
My son always uses double stock gaskets on the headers on his engines. He re-torques the header bolts after driving it a while.
That is what I did on my 454 and have not had a problem.
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'67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E. |
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#3 |
The Older Generation
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Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,524
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
-
I was having the same problem on the White '67 so I bought the Copper gasket set. That cured my problem... LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Italy
Posts: 1,278
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Are they old headers? The PO may of had two gaskets to make up for a warped flange. I ran into problems when I installed the cheap gaskets that came with my headers. I replaced them with Mr. Gasket Ultra-Seal gaskets. After a week or so go back and tighten the gaskets and you are set. That's if you don't have warped flanges.
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'68 C-10 SWB 383 Stroker (Sold 3/2/2013) '87 R2500 LWB 454 TBI converted to Carb ![]() |
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#5 |
Burnouts are therapeutic
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: lancaster, south carolina
Posts: 852
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
thats what I used copper for the flange and collecter and never had an issue, and if you do you can likely just retighten and be good again. I always retighten mine occasionally while they are hot.
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1969 CHEVELLE SS 1972 C10 ALMOST DAILY DRIVER 1968 C10 RUSTBUCKET (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) 1972 PONTIAC LEMANS CONVERTIBLE (WIFE'S CAR) "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Einstein |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ND
Posts: 520
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
I use regular exhaust gaskets and I also removed the extra "flange" between the bolts between 1 and 3,5 and 7 etc... Works for me.
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Name: Les ---------------------- Couple 80s Couple 70s One 68 ![]() |
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#7 | ||
Gone to greener pastures
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Gateway to the Delta
Posts: 7,354
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Quote:
Quote:
My only problem is I have to retorque the header bolts on occasion.
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'69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: LA/Phoenix
Posts: 31
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Go with copper they are worth the extra $
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72 Blazer 4wd 72 Blazer 2wd 69 Blazer 4wd easy to take apart hard to finish. Ray of all trades master of none. |
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#9 |
"THE GREEN GOBLIN"
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fremont Ca.
Posts: 1,025
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
I am useing RemFlex Gaskets and for extra piece of mind I added some Stage8 Header locking bolts working great for me so far...
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![]() "THE GREEN GOBLIN" 1972 Cheyenne 10 Short Fleet Side Front 2.5inch Spindles with 2inch Springs Rear 4inch drop Springs. 454BBC TH400,Posi 1971 Cheyenne 10 Long Fleet Side 454BBC TH350,Posi ![]() Drive it like you stole it! ![]() Petey-pablo@sbcglobal.net |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: California, Maryland
Posts: 544
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
I had leaks no matter what gaskets I used: fiber, copper, aluminum. I filed the header flange faces flat, and even tried to cut the connectors between the flanges. Nothing helped. Using stock manifold gaskets instead of header gaskets was closest but still has a small leak in between the middle two exhaust port. I think I'll try Rams Horns next.
Also no matter what I've done, I always have some leaks around the collector joints.
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72 Fleet (died) 78 Step (sold) 55 Step named Fred (sold) 00 F150 68 Step (named El Scorcho by PO) Build thread for the new El Scorcho http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392932 |
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#11 |
454 MAKES IT ROAR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex, U.K
Posts: 2,701
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
I'm really hoping it isn't a warped flange AusT I've no way of knowing how old the headers are, but they are far from new. I'll try doubling up the gaskets as they were before only because they are easy to get hold of here, but if that doesn't cure it then i'll have to order a copper set Leon from the U.S, a new set of header bolts as Petey suggested is something that I would like to go for.
Thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions. ![]()
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Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger Last edited by eightbanger; 10-19-2010 at 07:43 AM. |
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#12 | |
454 MAKES IT ROAR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex, U.K
Posts: 2,701
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Quote:
I hope I don't run into that problem...sounds like a nightmare.
__________________
Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,638
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
I had the same thing with headers 30 years ago. Back then the cure was to soak your gaskets in a bucket of water overnight. That's with the paper or cardboard type gaskets.
Theory was that when wet the gaskets conformed to every part of the flange. Strangely it worked. Compressed the gasket and bolts tightened up better. Could be a cure till you get some better gaskets. |
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jersey shore
Posts: 115
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Aloha
Mine is doing the same thing the ds front with the Mr Gasket Alt bracket, no matter what I do, I used 1" long bolts one with a flange to grab the bracket and of course the one under the header is the problem child not being able to tighten properly. I asked a hot rodder here and he told me to use rtv high temp copper silicone just a small bead on both sides then install? I am going to try it tonight after getting off work. I also bought a stubby set of wrenches and the wrench fits, but if not I am going to bend another wrench on an angle, any other suggestions??? Aloha Marty |
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#15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
i have used the dead soft copper ones for many years and on quite a few different applications and have had good results// header bolts are tightened every oil change as routine preventive maintenence as well as grease and lubrication and other routine checks to keep old vehicles running and reliable
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,638
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Marty. Ever heard of a wrench called a crow's foot. Made for wrenchin' in tight spots. Sorry no pics or linky.
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#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Largo, Florida
Posts: 13
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
I have fixed many headers for my race buddies over the years that either crack or leak from cracks in the heat affected zone right next to the header flange. Anyway one of the things I do when repairing a header is tig weld a small 1/16" or less bead around each port on the flange which crushes into the thick fel-pro or mr. gasket, this kind of locks the whole environment into place and will not hurt the aluminum heads that they are in contact with. Just something else to try if you have the time.
good luck.
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1970 Chevy C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/p...ictureid=10222 2002 Corvette SG/SP http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/p...ictureid=10210 1977 Monza SG/SP sold ![]() 02 F-350 Powerstroke Daily Driver |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hudsonville, MI
Posts: 174
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
What about using that high heat RTV in place of gaskets? A mechanic friend told me that is what they do at his shop.
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_______________________________________________ 1985 Chevy Scottsdale K20 350 with 700R4 running 3.42 gearing aka "The Honey Badger" 1993 Silverado C3500 Ext. Cab Dually 6.5 turbo diesel |
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jersey shore
Posts: 115
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Aloha Geezer
Tried the crows foot, the problem is that the crows foot has to circle up or down to work and the 3/8 extension hits the header! I think that the stubby wrench will work because it tightened the bolt but the header gasket is blown out, may even try the doubled up idea. Detroit I am going to try the gasket sealer tonight after work and will post the out come! Aloha Marty |
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#20 |
454 MAKES IT ROAR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex, U.K
Posts: 2,701
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
This is great....I'm gonna nail this sucker now!! i'll go through all these ideas till I find the one that works.
Cheers guys.
__________________
Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger |
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#21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Quote:
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Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#22 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St.Petersburg,Fl
Posts: 1,267
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Quote:
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#23 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jersey shore
Posts: 115
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Aloha
Follow up on the copper rtv gasket silicone, so far so good, took every thing off and cleaned the surfaces applied the silicone to gaskets let them skin over and installed the gaskets, applying blue lock tight to the bolts and tightened them a bit at a time going back and forth tightening as I went until they were equally torqued down. By the way I bought a stubby set of wrenches from the big orange box Sunday and the stubby wrench worked great on the front DS with the alt bracket. Just had to remove the spark plug to gain more access to the bolt. All said and done I fired up the engine and no more header noise, the real test is when i drive it to work in the morning. I will report on it when I get home tomorrow afternoon. My fingers crossed!!! Aloha Marty |
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#24 |
454 MAKES IT ROAR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex, U.K
Posts: 2,701
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
Just an update, I undid the header on the driver side and the gasket was clearly showing evidence of blow past on the last port closest to the firewall, I decided to remove the entire header for a better look to see if the flange was warped, it was straight but I found really uneven welding on the flange to that tube so I ground it level and then used RTV on the gasket and block bolted back up and I can cheerfully say it's been a success...so far!
Cheers.
__________________
Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger |
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#25 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,524
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Re: Header Gasket Leak
-
Good to hear. Sometimes the smallest thing can cause BIG aggravation... LockDoc
__________________
Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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