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Topic: leaking headers

in Forum: C3 Engines


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leaking headers (1/9)
 6/8/10 1:32pm
81zoomzoom
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Lusby, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS


Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56

My headers are leaking again.   I need better gaskets.    Summit has some but I don't know what kind of ports are in my heads.     My heads are stock.   I want to try a one piece.    Any of you done this before?   HELPWink
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leaking headers (2/9)
 6/8/10 8:48pm
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

Vette(s):
White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.


Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484

I recall a thread a few months back where someone had good results by first soaking the header gaskets in water before installing them.

Search around C3 Emmissions. You should find it there.

HTH

leaking headers (3/9)
 6/9/10 12:23am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Try putting at straight edge on the header flange to make sure your headers are flat and square. I run standard Felpro gaskets on a healthy engine and have no problems. Do you have "O-Ringed" headers?
leaking headers (4/9)
 6/9/10 11:35am
aceintheholeLifetime Member
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Manteca, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed


Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623

I've had good luck with "Percy" layered aluminum gaskets. Should be squared or rectangular ports on a stock motor and round or D ports on headers and aftermarket heads. They say it's best to trim the gasket to the shape of the header ports. These gaskets cost a little more but claim to be reusable. I used to believe these were the best gaskets out there but now I hear there better ones to be had Confused.

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leaking headers (5/9)
 6/9/10 11:40am
rraider1
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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

You may have done this already but recheck the header bolts, they always seem to come loose I periodically need to re tighten mine. their is sets that can be safty wired to keep them from coming loose
leaking headers (6/9)
 6/9/10 12:29pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

you want the gaskets to match the headers, rraider is right about retightening the bolts, bring the motor to operating temp and let it cool stone cold and retighten, I had to do mine four times, also use locking header bolts, they have two types, the Stage Eight type and the split bolt type, the split bolt type has a allen set screw in the hex head of of the split bolt, after the final heat cycle tightening run the set screw in and it spreads the treads and locks the treads in the heads, use a drop of antiseize on the treads and set screw, the split lock type are the easiest to use. anips2010-06-09 09:33:53
leaking headers (7/9)
 6/9/10 1:38pm
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

I just installed my headers and I followed the post that said to soak the gaskets just before installing them. They seemed to draw tighter and when i went back to retighten them after they cooled down they were still tight. Good Luck.



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leaking headers (8/9)
 6/9/10 6:01pm
tuxblacrayLifetime Member
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Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

Like Luke I run Felpro gaskets. Header bolts are your run of the mill standard type with antiseize compound used.

Unfortunitly my weakest point is the collector gaskets. I replace them every season, on the plus side they are cheap and easy to change.

Small price to pay for a nice rumble.......

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leaking headers (9/9)
 6/13/10 6:39am
nosal1
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Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.


Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Good morning all,
   Jimmy B said it right about "Percy seal4 good aluminum" 4 ply compressible header gaskets. I have them on my Vette,'68 Camaro,'57 GMC truck,and my daily driver 1972 Chevy PU. The oldest is the '72 truck engine/headers and they have been on in place for 7 years and no leaks.I Have the typical header bolts with the exception of the head of the bolts. You use a 3/8" wrench instead of 7/16" wrench..I also use TOOTHED/STAR washers when I torqued the bolts..
      To date no leaks on any of the cars/trucks,and again they have been on and running for a minimum of 4yrs. and a max of going on 8 yrs.
       Another Member who have them in place is VETTER BOB
          Hope this helps                  
               Sal C           nosal1
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