Header gasket leaks, ultra copper??

I've been skimmng through some of the old threads on header gasket leaks. Currently I'm running T/A shorties on my 455 and they are starting to leak like mad. I'm using copper header gaskets from sce. Over the winter the bolts loosened up and all needed 1/4 turn, but they are now still leaking. I was thinking about taking the gaskets out and cleaning all the surfaces and skimming the gaskets with Permatex Ultra copper and reinstalling. Anyone else use this stuff? Seems like a cheesy fix to a simple problem. I don't want to have to take the whole car apart to clean the permatex out if it doesn't work. The headers are flat and the heads were milled flat also. Help???

Bob

 

I've been using Ultra Copper on exhaust gaskets with good results for some time now, I even use it to seal the chambers on my 1972 Kawasaki 2 stroke!

 

Are you gaskets embossed or flat? You can hang it up now if there the flat versions.

 

Rick, they are the embossed versions. The t/a shorties are flat also with no lip on the inside sealing edge. I know i come close in a few spots where I gasket matched the heads, but I was thinking the silicone would ensure no leaks there. It wasn't leaking this bad when i put it away. what a pain! Manifolds are looking good, thats for sure!

 

Hey "Wolfie" What kind of Kaw 2 stroke you got???????? Mike D. Oops, I saw it in your list after I asked the question. Sweeeet Bike if you like narrow strong power bands, I always did. Mike D.

 

I ran those SCE coppers briefly too. They leaked for me as well. I use the other SCE header gaskets now. Same company, much better product. I forget the model name, (sort of an ultra-seal type of name) but I got them from Finishline at one of the Buick events last year. Geof and Bobb carried them with them in the trailer, so I figured I'd give them a try. They work GREAT!

 

I have had great luck with Postons graphite metal sandwich gaskets. Everything else I have tried blew out in a few weeks. I did get good at changing gasket though.

 

Mike,
I've got a 1972 Kwasaki H1 500 built mild cafe' style...it's a hoot!

 

Embossed or flat? Fill me in on the difference I've had nothing but problems with the flat ones. Until I gooped it up with the Ultra copper gasket maker and what a mess and good luck to me when I go to clean them up over the winter.