Topic: leaking headers
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Lusby, MD - USA
Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56
Vette(s): 1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS
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? HELP

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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

HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
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.
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?
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
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
.

Jimmy B.
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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
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. anips 2010-06-09 09:33:53
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.


Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
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...
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.......
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.......
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
in Forum: C3 Engines
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