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Header gasket question #1458507 06/26/13 02:58 PM 06/26/13 02:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md	I seem to have blown out at least one side header gasket. These are hooker super comps 2" primaries on Stage VI heads. I have never had issues w/ header gaskets in the past, I've used mainly Fel-Pro 1414's and Mr. Gaskets. I was talking to a buddy about it and he says why run a gasket. We all run high temp silicone and that's it. (circle track cars) Says he has never had any problems, Said to use a ample amount and let it set 2-3 days before running the engine. Says it almost melts and sets in any crack you might have. any ideas? I know at least the drovers side is leaking so I'll pull that off and take a look. These are used headers som maybe I should re-weld the ports/flanges and grind them smooth. what do you guys use? [IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/pui5j.jpg[/IMG] Coming soon!!!!

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458508 06/26/13 03:06 PM 06/26/13 03:06 PM
Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,910 Eighty Four, PA B G Racing master
B G Racing master Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,910 Eighty Four, PA	It's important to get the flanges as straight as possible.If it keeps leaking try Permatex Ultra Copper Silicone.Put a heavy bead on the flange or head,bolt the header snug,let it sit over night to fully cure then tighten.Check and recheck the bolts after a few heat cycles. [IMG]http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq21/ajcasini/max_zpsdppwd9km.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458509 06/26/13 03:10 PM 06/26/13 03:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,266 Renton Washington T Triple Threat master
Triple Threat master T Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,266 Renton Washington	My car is high temp silicone only. My brothers turbo car is the same way. Gaskets are nice if you have a good head and a good flange. With my old TTI's and edelbrocks I reused the same header gaskets countless times. My new heads no one makes a gasket for so I use the RTV. -Dustin 67 Dart, 9 second, 392" G3 Hemi 68 Barracuda 340 F/SA

Re: Header gasket question [Re: B G Racing] #1458510 06/26/13 03:12 PM 06/26/13 03:12 PM
Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 18,880 - R RSNOMO Moparts Torchbearer
RSNOMO Moparts Torchbearer R Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 18,880 -	Quote: It's important to get the flanges as straight as possible. Agreed... I surfaced my Hooker's before I put 'em on... Check 'em with a straight-edge... I've never used silicone, but have had good luck with Ultra-Seal gaskets...

Re: Header gasket question [Re: B G Racing] #1458511 06/26/13 03:13 PM 06/26/13 03:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md	Quote: It's important to get the flanges as straight as possible.If it keeps leaking try Permatex Ultra Copper Silicone.Put a heavy bead on the flange or head,bolt the header snug,let it sit over night to fully cure then tighten.Check and recheck the bolts after a few heat cycles. thanks, I used the Fel-Pros w/ ultra copper on both sides. My mistake might have been not re-snugging after a few cycles. I had maybe 100 street miles and 5 runs on them before the went. How much flange do you need for a good seal? These seem to have about 1/16-3/32"

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458512 06/26/13 03:25 PM 06/26/13 03:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,910 Eighty Four, PA B G Racing master
B G Racing master Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,910 Eighty Four, PA	The silicone should seal any low areas.It's best to have as much clamp area as well as straight flanges.You may want to add a nice weld bead around each port then sand them flat on a belt sander.If you have a spare head bolt it on and see if the flange is warped or bent.If you have seperate tubes use washers on the bolts that are in the parting line. [IMG]http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq21/ajcasini/max_zpsdppwd9km.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458513 06/26/13 03:28 PM 06/26/13 03:28 PM
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI MR_P_BODY Master
MR_P_BODY Master Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI	Cut the end ports free from the center ones... it allows for growth without buckling the flanges.. the BEST gasket material is called Graffoil. its a stainless with graphite in it... hard to cut the stainless but the graphite allows the flange to slide easily... also if you have 1 hole PER cyl larger it gives it room to slide... ALL flanges need to slide so give it some room to do it(most flanges have just the 2 holes for mounting so 1 larger will let it slide.. if it has 3 holes make 2 larger... and not both end)

Re: Header gasket question [Re: MR_P_BODY] #1458514 06/26/13 03:53 PM 06/26/13 03:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md	These are 2 piece so one tube on each side is seperat, the front flanges have been cut/sperated from the middle 2. I use washers and mani studs where possible.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458515 06/27/13 05:33 AM 06/27/13 05:33 AM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 11,179 Atco NJ DJVCuda I Live Here
DJVCuda I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 11,179 Atco NJ	Reflex.com They will make custom gaskets also based off a template from you as well. Isis mine with a crayon and large sheet of paper.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: DJVCuda] #1458516 06/27/13 07:44 AM 06/27/13 07:44 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 4,720 Moved to N.E. Tennessee GomangoCuda master
GomangoCuda master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 4,720 Moved to N.E. Tennessee	Quote: Reflex.com They will make custom gaskets also based off a template from you as well. Isis mine with a crayon and large sheet of paper. Do you mean Remflex? I use them. Expensive but work. In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: GomangoCuda] #1458517 06/27/13 07:57 AM 06/27/13 07:57 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 17,918 Akron, Ohio ProSport I Live Here
ProSport I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 17,918 Akron, Ohio	I always use mr.Gasket ultra seal gaskets. I used silicone once and never will again, messy and hard to clean up on a big block a-body. But most guys do use silicone. 1970 Challenger, all aluminum 528 Hemi, HDK suspension, Tremec 5 speed manual

Re: Header gasket question [Re: GomangoCuda] #1458518 06/27/13 02:34 PM 06/27/13 02:34 PM
Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,417 Chicago, IL blownEFI pro stock
blownEFI pro stock Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,417 Chicago, IL	Quote: Quote: Reflex.com They will make custom gaskets also based off a template from you as well. Isis mine with a crayon and large sheet of paper. Do you mean Remflex? I use them. Expensive but work. x3 for Remflex "These go to eleven", Nigel Tufnel

Re: Header gasket question [Re: GomangoCuda] #1458519 06/27/13 06:58 PM 06/27/13 06:58 PM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 11,179 Atco NJ DJVCuda I Live Here
DJVCuda I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 11,179 Atco NJ	Quote: Quote: Reflex.com They will make custom gaskets also based off a template from you as well. Isis mine with a crayon and large sheet of paper. Do you mean Remflex? I use them. Expensive but work. Yes. Not so smart phone

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458520 06/27/13 11:04 PM 06/27/13 11:04 PM
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI MR_P_BODY Master
MR_P_BODY Master Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI	Quote: These are 2 piece so one tube on each side is seperat, the front flanges have been cut/sperated from the middle 2. I use washers and mani studs where possible. If you have 5/16 studs or bolts make 1 of the holes per section a 3/8 hole for growth

Re: Header gasket question [Re: GomangoCuda] #1458521 06/27/13 11:44 PM 06/27/13 11:44 PM
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 3,502 SOUTH JERSEY HEMIFRED master
HEMIFRED master Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 3,502 SOUTH JERSEY	I have found that 98% of my leaks have come from warped flanges or irregular surfaces that do not mate flush and flat. a zillon factory manifolds never used any gaskets. always spilit the flanges between cylinders so only one tube at a time gets tightened. that eliminates 99% of warp trouble I only use Permatex HI-Temp Red RTV Silicone Gasket good for 650 degrees and .250 gap fills Quote: OEM specified. Formulated for hi-temp applications, or heavy-duty use (such as towing, etc.). Replaces almost any cut gasket by making reliable �formed-in-place� gaskets that resist cracking, shrinking and migrating caused by thermal cycling. Coats pre-cut gaskets to increase reliability. Temperature range -65?F to 650?F (-54�C to 343�C) intermittent; resists auto and shop fluids. - See more at: http://www.permatex.com/products/product...h.n7coVQKc.dpuf IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER SEALING. home of the Sox and Martin Hemi Duster

Re: Header gasket question [Re: HEMIFRED] #1458522 06/28/13 09:09 AM 06/28/13 09:09 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md	Mr. P I think the only larger hole now is for #1 and #2. I'll open the others up. Fred, is the red better than the copper? The copper has a higher heat range. And do you use w/ or w/o gasket? As mentioned flanges between 1-3, 2-4 are cut... It appears the leak is between 3-5.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458523 06/28/13 09:18 AM 06/28/13 09:18 AM
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI MR_P_BODY Master
MR_P_BODY Master Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI	Quote: Mr. P I think the only larger hole now is for #1 and #2. I'll open the others up. Fred, is the red better than the copper? The copper has a higher heat range. And do you use w/ or w/o gasket? As mentioned flanges between 1-3, 2-4 are cut... It appears the leak is between 3-5. Yeah if you have 1 bolt hole the proper size, that keeps the pipe located right and the larger hole will allow the growth .. the center ports are the ones that tend to leak.. 2 bolts holding 2 pipes with double the heat EDIT I like the bolting set up on my W-9 heads.. it has 3 bolts for the center 2 ports BUT it wiuld be better if it had 1 more bolt at the center bottom(4 bolts total on the center ports) 7757824-Hdr9.JPG (19 downloads) Last edited by MR_P_BODY; 06/28/13 09:23 AM.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: MR_P_BODY] #1458524 06/28/13 09:30 AM 06/28/13 09:30 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md	thems purdy Mr. P. I've never used 2" headers before, I've never had issues sealing up cheap 1 3/4" does the extra 1/4" make for a trickier seal? I never thought about it needing some expansion room.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: Mr.Yuck] #1458525 06/28/13 10:03 AM 06/28/13 10:03 AM
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI MR_P_BODY Master
MR_P_BODY Master Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI	Quote: thems purdy Mr. P. I've never used 2" headers before, I've never had issues sealing up cheap 1 3/4" does the extra 1/4" make for a trickier seal? I never thought about it needing some expansion room. The 2" tubes does have its problem... again on the center ports... with the larger tubes you have a bit less room between the 2 center ports which gives it less gasket/sealing area and thats where most headers tend to leak.. a thicker flange usually helps that.. even on a production manifold we allowed for expansion (if you look at the holes).. also what Fred posted and the production manifolds not running gaskets.. yes thats true BUT a manifold is a TOTALLY different design than a header flange.. the manifold has thickness to keep it from warping unlike a 5/16 flange(which most headers have).. I use 3/8 flanges to reduce the warping along with the larger hole set up... also most headers have the weld bead on the gasket surface which is a plus and a negative ..its a small area that bites into the gasket to seal BUT it also cuts as it grows and contracts EDIT You have to figure in expansion on the exhaust... a standard size car with full exhaust and normal temp will have 3/4"+ growth at the tip of the tail pipe Last edited by MR_P_BODY; 06/28/13 10:06 AM.

Re: Header gasket question [Re: MR_P_BODY] #1458526 06/28/13 10:08 AM 06/28/13 10:08 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet
Mr.Yuck OP Not enough dumb comments...yet Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md	Quote: Quote: thems purdy Mr. P. I've never used 2" headers before, I've never had issues sealing up cheap 1 3/4" does the extra 1/4" make for a trickier seal? I never thought about it needing some expansion room. The 2" tubes does have its problem... again on the center ports... with the larger tubes you have a bit less room between the 2 center ports which gives it less gasket/sealing area and thats where most headers tend to leak.. a thicker flange usually helps that.. even on a production manifold we allowed for expansion (if you look at the holes).. also what Fred posted and the production manifolds not running gaskets.. yes thats true BUT a manifold is a TOTALLY different design than a header flange.. the manifold has thickness to keep it from warping unlike a 5/16 flange(which most headers have).. I use 3/8 flanges to reduce the warping along with the larger hole set up... also most headers have the weld bead on the gasket surface which is a plus and a negative ..its a small area that bites into the gasket to seal BUT it also cuts as it grows and contracts EDIT You have to figure in expansion on the exhaust... a standard size car with full exhaust and normal temp will have 3/4"+ growth at the tip of the tail pipe I wonder if I welded extra "meat" between the center tubes and sanded them flat if that would help?

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