Header help

[olred68]

I bought a pair of flow tech headers and put on my truck last week after I had the exhuast put on I have a bad leak around both headers. I am running the copper gaskets I made sure I didnt have anylose bolts someone told me to remove the headers put a straight edge on them and take a belt sander and flaten to make them all the same if ones higher than another.I just want to know what you guys think would be the best fix. Thanks Brandon

[cdowns]

that is the first step// finding out if you have a flat sutface is a must


you can also cut the flanges seperating the ports to get tmen to seal better too

[petey-pablo]

I have found REMFLEX Gaskets work best.Right off the website--> 100% no-questions-asked satisfaction guarantee! "Remflex exhaust gaskets come in a standard 1/8-inch thickness and are designed to crush 50%. This allows them to fill gaps in the flange surface up to 1/16-inch!" Remflex exhaust gaskets rebound 30%, creating an optimum seal that eliminates the need to re-torque! Hope this helps
http://catalog.remflex.com/category_s/75.htm

[gkesseru]

My neighbor takes two standard gaskets and soaks them for a few hours in a bucket of water, then torques down hard. works for him.....

[Hottrucks]

these are al good ideas

I inspect the flange area as soo as I get a set of headers...if they look anything but flat I call ***** and moan...then you can take them to a engine shop and tell them to run them across there big belt sander it will make a flat even flange and only cost a few $$ then just about any quality gasket wil work....I have not luck with the copper ones but I woud look into Pablos gaskets....

[olred68]

could I take a grinder with a flaper wheel and take some off a little at a time?

[Big69C20 Toy]

Yes, taking a grinder with flap wheel would work. Just be gentle and check to make sure of your progress. If you've a bigger piece of flat stock (planed wood or steel) to check all around this would also make it easier. Check your mating flanges as well.... don't want to sand too much off the header when it's the other flange that is no good.

Some (many) flanges are designed to bend to accommodate the sealing surface. Lots of the joining gaskets are either stamped steel or powdered metal... either one in the thickness ranges usually used can bend.

Good luck truing it all up.

[Hottrucks]

I woud rather see you use a belt sander...then you can use the flat pad in the middle...a quick call to an engine shop should e in order if thet charge you $20 its a no brainer what I would do...

[olred68]

I have a small belt sander but I guess a larger one would work better

[Hottrucks]

the belt sander they use does all of them at once hence the even flat surface

[Shyguy]

Originally Posted by gkesseru

My neighbor takes two standard gaskets and soaks them for a few hours in a bucket of water, then torques down hard. works for him.....

We do exactly the same thing and so far have not had a problem with leaks.

We do go back after the initial install and check that the header bolts are tight.

Danny

[Mudder]

cdowns hit the nail on the head. Cut the flanges and I just use regular manifold gaskets at about 7 bucks. I use stainless bolts and you can tighten them much and in 15 yrs I had one that back out a little. The maifold gaskets are metalic on one side.

[olred68]

I ordered the remflex gaskets and if they dont work I will cut the flanges.I put on the copper gaskets along with the mr gasket paper style and no leaks but I think its just a matter of time before they will start