I'm fed up with losing header gaskets...I swear I torque them down multiple times and they still blow out. Is there a way to avoid this? Maybe a better, stronger gasket? :blast: :blast: :gt:
Adam, are you using headers or manifolds? Either way, with the mainfolds, they warp, take them off, loads of fun and have them resurfaced straight, use Mr Goodwrench silicone sealer not more leaks. We flat filed my headers for the racecar and viola, no more leaks there either. RV
Using headers...the manifolds are rotting in the attic:grin: Thought I heard something about the pink gaskets that allow some give with retorquing...o No: Roberta, did you continue using gaskets when you flat filed your headers? If so, that would probably help keep the gaskets in place even if they cracked.
No gaskets, just goodwrench monkey snot as we call it! 2 years maybe 3, no leaks, also put the sealer on the bolts cause they liked to come out with old headers, they were rusty crusty with gaskets!
Cool! When I pull the motor (in 30 years:grin: ) to rebuild it, I'll file the edges off the tubes so the headers sit flat on the head. But since I'm not pulling these god-awful things out anytime soon, I am in the market for an alternative gasket to the junk that I get from TA.... Not saying TA is junk, by all means:TU: I just don't want to keep changing gaskets until my hands fall off trying to thread bolts into heads where my hands don't fit.:gt: There's grease all over my keyboard now...guess I forgot to wash my hands before I sat down:spank:
Adam, I used a set I got from Jim Burek\PAE on my 455, they're some kind of graphite impregnated material. I installed them in Jan/Feb this year and have had the heads off once and the driver's side header loose from the head one more time since then... and I'm still on the same pair of gaskets. Not sure if TA offers anything similar but I believe Postons does too. TA may have something comparable. I used to use the white Mr. Gasket type gaskets and went through them.......... the O'rieley's down the street kept a pair in stock for me. Used the pink or purple from TA once, they worked good but were ruined when removed. I did trim the PAE gaskets a little to match my exhaust ports a little better, then just retorque them after a few heat-cool cycles as usual. Just my experience, hope it helps
I guess I have been lucky. When I put my headers on 2 years ago I used the "best" gaskets TA had. I have had no problems and I know for sure the passenger side cylinder head sealing area is far from true. That is why I put the headers on because I had a bad exhaust leak on that side. But, they still come loose wich really sucks. Gotta love the center bolt.
Which gaskets are you using Adam.. I have multiple cars out there now, with the same header gasket, and have zero failures. Some installs are now 3 years old. JW
Adam - Have you tried the stock manifold style gaskets with the headers? Both my brother's and my cars used the stock 'metallic' style gaskets with really good success. Have you tried soaking the gaskets in water before installing them? I've seen that work on several header equipped cars before.
I'm using the TA cheapie generic header gaskets....the ones that crack the first time you run the car up to temperature. That's why I'm asking which one other people use...there's got to be a better one out there. Jim, I thought I saw a picture of you using some of those pink gaskets that did well... I seem to blow one a month. This is not cool...getting to the center bolt is a chore. Basically, I pull all the bolts but the center one...and then break the gasket out around that bolt....cut a slit in the new gasket, and slide it in on top of the center bolt...and then start the rest of the bolts. I don't know what I'll do if I have to pull the center bolt. That thing's a nightmare to even get to.
Yep.. white gaskets.. don't much care for them. Use the 825* Pink Graphite gaskets from TA. Best on the market for my money. JW
I also have had good luck with the exhaust gaskets that come in the gasket sets, {I use the Fel-Pro gasket sets} I have the K/B "pulse" headers which have a nice thick flange on them, I don't mean to say the K/B headers are any better than anyone elses. Back in my chebby days I always had gaskets blowing out with the cheap headers and thin flanges, seemed the more I tightened them the more the flange warped and the worse the problem got. Tom
Made the mistake of using the gaskets that TA sent with my new headers. The headers are great the gasket are junk. I think the main point should be do NOT use the gaskets that come with your headers. I will go back to the Postons that had reused several times with no problems.
I have taken note to this discussion and have been in contact with our header manufacture to see what they have changed. We will be working on it.
header gaskets Adam,regarding that dreaded center bolt ,i notched the header until the bolt just fits over it and put a notch on the header gasket also header slids down over bolt without removing it . And definately file sealing surfaces, ran TA best gasket naver had problem.
For some reason, I have more trouble with the last bolt than I do the center one. I use the graphite gaskets, and have solved all my problems. :beer
Mike, Sorry I went off on you a little. I think it is great that you jumped into this and are looking to fiix the problem. Just to let you know what happens. The gasket goes through a few heat cycles and turns brittle. When I took mine out you could snap them like a cracker.
Correct Doug... This is why I lose pieces of them when the bolts become loose at all. The gaskets crack into a million pieces, and then puke out the corners when the bolts come loose.:blast:
I also have alot more bad words for the end bolts than the center ones, The easiest way for me to tighten the back bolts is from underneath the car. :beer Tom
