header gaskets

[harold64]

hi yall! ive never had headers on a vehicle before, so what are the best gaskets to put on them? ive already had to change one set becouse i didnt know you had to tighen the bolts. some one told me to get cooper gaskets and also collector gaskets. any help would be nice. hurry spring!

[blackmopar]

Originally Posted by harold64

........ive already had to change one set becouse i didnt know you had to tighen the bolts.........!

huh? you mean you never tightened them, or they loosened up on ya? I had a prob with em backing out, so I went with Percys (I think) header bolts - they have an allen set screw in the middle of the bolt head that expands like an anchor bolt would - copper gaskets hold up to exhaust leaks better but arent necessary IMO if you properly seat the header flange and dont allow a leak. i run whatever gaskets around (also ran double gaskets on some small block mopars) and yes you also need collector gaskets unless your running ball and socket flanges.

sorta like motor oil, your gonna get ALOT of personal opnions here (like mine)but for most part any 'ol will do if used properly.

[flips72]

i just all ways run the original exhaust gaskets for manifolds, they last longer than any header gasket i personally have used. once they heat up a couple times, tighten them again and usally no problems for long time.

[skysoldier173rd]

notorious problem, seems eventually they all leak. Factory exhaust manifolds have bigger wider flanges with much more contact area. That keeps them from leaking. Headers just always seem to leak eventually no matter what you do.

[sandnuriz]

allways leak JBA shorty s are bad leakers

[onequickchevy]

Use the dead soft aluminum gaskets and your problems will be solved. You can pick up header and collector gaskets in this style at most parts stores. Be sure to retighten them after a few hours of run time.
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[Captainfab]

I've had good luck with the semi-soft fiber gaskets, as well as the factory exhaust manifold gaskets. The key to avoiding header leaks is first, make sure the flanges are flat/straight. Then when installing the headers with a new gasket, just snug them up good. DO NOT over tighten them. Then after running the engine and letting it cool, snug the bolts a little. Repeat this 2 or 3 more times. If you do develop a leak later, tighten the loose bolt right away.

[1restorick]

I recently used graphite gaskets from Remflex in a car with a cronic exhaust leak. I was veru impressed with this gasket. Check it out:

http://catalog.remflex.com/

Rick

[lucifer]

I have tried it all and the only solution that worked for me was using Pematex copper hi temp gasket in a tube. Make sure the surfaces are clean... apply the sealant (make sure of coverage) carefully install the headers, tighten the bolts and leave overnight. Best seal ever. and the most cost effective by far. DO NOT USE GASKETS




lucifer

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by lucifer

DO NOT USE GASKETS
Lucifer

I was taught that if I ever listen to "Lucifer" that I would be destined to an eternal life in hell?

Sure header leaks are bad... but I think I would prefer header leaks to the wailing and gnashing of teeth ....

[onequickchevy]

Now that's funny!
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[harold64]

hey yall! thanks for all the information! i have never had headers before, so this all new to me. will try different things come spring. hurry spring!

[bama63]

2x lucifer, i have raced for more than 25 years and the ONLY thing i have ever found that works consistently is hi temp silicone

[SuperWho]

Originally Posted by 1restorick

I recently used graphite gaskets from Remflex in a car with a cronic exhaust leak. I was veru impressed with this gasket. Check it out:

http://catalog.remflex.com/

Rick

I second these. I have used exhaust manifold gaskets, even did the soak in water and tighten down then re-tighten trick and ended up leaking again. I just figured my headers were warped. I read about these, ordered them, and no more locomotive. They run about 35 dollars.

[blackedoutharley]

The way I solved the constant loosening of header bolts (and the related leaks) was to pitch the 3/4" header bolts for 1" bolts, cut the flanges so that each set of tubes was independent of the others (i.e. #1 if by itself, #'s 3&5 are together and #7 is by itself).

I use the Fel-Pro "blue" header gaskets and have had zero issues since the above "fixes".

[tapeworm]

The Stage 8 locking header bolts work great, but are pricey. I never had to ever worry about a bolt coming loose.