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Topic: Header Gaskets

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/28/05 2:50pm Message 1 of 12
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my7t1
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
Hello my fellow Vettheads. While back I put a set of Dynomax headers on my 71 small block. The problem is I have burned up 2 sets of manifold gaskets. The headers line up perfect with no sterss at all. I have used steel rienforced gaskets. My question is are copper gaskets better, is there a better brand, or what am I doing wrong. I was real careful cleaning up the surface last time. My left rear started leaking in a hurry. Any help would be appreciated. Terry



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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/28/05 7:20pm Message 2 of 12
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Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Terry, get some "Mr. Gasket" gaskets,(or other quality gaskets) and try an old hot-rodder's trick. Soak the gaskets in water for about 10-15 min. before putting them on. This allows the gaskets to compress more easily than they do dry, and when you fire it up, they dry out, and seal very well. Just bolt the headers on, tighten the bolts really well, and let it sit for an hour, check the bolts again, then fire it up. Never had a 'blow-out' using this method.


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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/29/05 5:34am Message 3 of 12
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my7t1
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
That sounds interesting and worth a try. I never heard of that. Thanks Adam, "you ole hot- rodder". my7T138562.2334027778



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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/29/05 6:53am Message 4 of 12
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA
Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784
Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
You might also be having a problem with the bolts backing out getting loose, I use the cheapo gaskets , after install I start and drive the car and let it cool and retighten the bolts I cycle them maybe 1/2 dozen times and tighten, I also have locking header bolts ,the stage 8 type are a pain, you have to file the half moons to make them fit right,the split bolt type are better, I don't have header gasket problems.


Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/29/05 11:23am Message 5 of 12
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lukesvette
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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.

If you put a straight edge across the mounting surface of the headers and its flat, you are definitely having issues with the bolts loosening or some being a lot tighter than others. Tendency is to tighten the more accessible bolts more that those that are harder to get at...

I have the Hedman ceramic coated headers on my 79 and used the gaskets that came with the headers with no other ahesives, hi temp rtv or anything and the seal hasn't blown out in over a year.

Clean mounting surfaces, even tightening and Mr. Gasket Ultraseal is a relaible bet...

Good luck!

Luke

 

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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/29/05 2:41pm Message 6 of 12
82collectorshark
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Joined: 3/22/2004
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1982 COLLECTOR EDITION
You might want to run a thread chaser or a bottoming tap in each of the threaded holes and clean them out real well with a cleaner and compressed air.If any crap has accumulated, the bolts may not be truly tightened.



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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/29/05 6:46pm Message 7 of 12
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Sarge81
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA
Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379
Vette(s): 1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.

I switched over to the copper gaskets a couple months ago. So far so good. We'll see how they holdup after the Bowling Green trip in Oct. They are a bit pricey, but if they prevent me from having to redo them again, it's worth it to me.

My .02 cents

Darryl





GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
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Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




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Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/29/05 9:36pm Message 8 of 12
smoke-m
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baytown, TX - USA
Joined: 4/21/2004
Posts: 160
Vette(s): 1979 maui blue/doe skin, fuel injected 383, 6-speed manual, hooker sidepipes, 3.90 gear
I found a gasket set on the shelf at auto zone and they were aluminum, a whole stack of them. I split the stack and installed them. They claim their reuseable. So far so good.


Header Gaskets

Posted: 7/30/05 6:03am Message 9 of 12
Eddie 70
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Kingston, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2003
Posts: 900
Vette(s): 1970 Vert Both Tops Kiesler 5 Speed Steeroids Rack and Pinion Stayfast Convertible Top
I wound up buying some copper gaskets for mine. This keeps them from blowing out but does not keep them from leaking if the bolts loosen up every time you drive the vette like I was experiencing. I broke down and spent the money on the Stage 8 bolts. I have not had a leak again in over 6 months. Money well spent IMO. 


Header Gaskets

Posted: 8/3/05 11:36am Message 10 of 12
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my7t1
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp

Well guy's, once again I feel really stupid. I posted before I even checked my headers, and guess what? Not only did the bolts loosen up, but two of them were missing. I'm sure thats why I suffered burnout before. I will use stage 8 bolts, water up the gasket & tighten them once in a while!!. I sure learn a lot fom all of you & hope to meet you all someday. Thanks again, Terry





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in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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