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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: 1979C20 on February 02, 2011, 12:28:40 PM

Title: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 02, 2011, 12:28:40 PM
So, when I got my headers, I used mr gasket paper header gaskets. After about 2 months, right around when it got cold, the center top part of each exhaust port the gasket blew out. I ran it for about 2 leaks, terrible backfiring and exhausy leak. Last night I went and bought some more header gaskets, checker's spectre brand because theyre 3 times as thick. Replaced them at my buddies house. Drove home. When I first started my truck, the header pipes were smoking like crazy. I figured it was grease from my hands. Smelled stuff burning the hole way home. Started hearing an exhausy leak. I figured it was okay since you have to re tighten the bolts after its hot. Well, I popped the hood this morning after driving to work to make sure my plug wires and temp sensor wire were off the headers and the center 2 ports on both sides of the block were blown out again. What gives?!
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: jaredts on February 02, 2011, 01:45:16 PM
When you take them loose again to replace the gaskets check the flanges with a straight edge to make sure they're not warped.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 86silverado on February 02, 2011, 03:32:46 PM
you can also cut the flange in between each pipe and that will allow them to tighten up against motor alot better and wont distort flange as bad, did that on my last truck and never gave a problem
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 02, 2011, 04:53:33 PM
My dad HAD to do that on one of our jeeps because he couldn't get the bolts to line up. I'm gonna go back to checker with the receipt and have one of the guys go out and look at the gaskets to show their blown out and see if they will let me do the exchange and take the old gaskets back after swapping them.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: ohio hab on February 03, 2011, 04:56:21 PM
I also would check for warpage. I run copper gaskets, and never had a problem, and they are reusable.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: screamin86 on February 03, 2011, 05:06:07 PM
After having similar troubles I started using the $5 stock exhaust manifold gaskets the three piece ones that are paper on one side and metal on the other. The ones I'm using now have been on the truck for a year and I reused them when I changed my heads and have no leaks.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 03, 2011, 05:19:13 PM
So the stock exhaust manifold gaskets are working for you? I was considering the felpro metal crushable gaskets. If the stock ones work for you I'll grab them on the way home.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: screamin86 on February 03, 2011, 05:40:49 PM
Yeah I ran them on one of my cars for the longest time too. They are like any other though you have to retighten them a few times especialy at first. I use allen bolts on all my headers and keep a set of wrenches in the glovebox all the time.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 03, 2011, 11:00:30 PM
Okay, went to checker, bought 2 pair of mr gasket metal gaskets and copper sprayed them together. Just need to re tightenn the bolts now. Sounds soooo much better meow.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: bobcooter on February 04, 2011, 09:35:37 AM
I ran these on my truck when I had headers. I put 20,000 miles on them with no issues at all. I also used the Summit copper collector gaskets with no issues as well.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-111405/?rtype=10
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 04, 2011, 12:12:27 PM
If I have a problem with these I'll look into it, but I need square port. Probably same price right?
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: bobcooter on February 04, 2011, 12:31:47 PM
Yeah, same price.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: slammed79 on February 04, 2011, 12:49:42 PM
I've also used the stock manifold gaskets with a set of Hooker long tubes and the Mr. Gasket aluminum collector gaskets, no problems at all. I also used slightly longer bolts and lock washers, sealed up perfect
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 05, 2011, 01:13:33 AM
Well I tightened, and retightened the crap out of them, the gasket is flat but the flange bubbles out in the middle like a 1/32". So, silicone is next. Doesnt matter if their warped. About a quarter inch thick bead of silicone around each port, let em dry for like 2 hours, and torque em down. jyst like sprint cars do.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: screamin86 on February 05, 2011, 05:49:12 AM
Have you tried lossening the bolts then starting with the middle ports first then work to the outer parts of the flanges? I have a friend with a 68 dodge charger who is having a similar issue and that's what he had to do. I had aluminum collector gaskets on my truck that I had a machinest at work make me they work great and when my exhaust guy built my exhaust he siliconed them when he put them back on and I've had no collector leaks or flange leaks using the manifold gaskets.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: jaredts on February 05, 2011, 07:17:55 AM
I feel stupid for asking, but silicone holds up to exhaust heat?
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: slammed79 on February 05, 2011, 12:28:54 PM
High temp prolly will.
Title: Re: Header gaskets
Post by: 1979C20 on February 05, 2011, 04:22:50 PM
Even black or clear rtv will hold