Topic: Header Gaskets
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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I was wondering what header to cylinder head gaskets work the best. I tried the soft aluminum ones and they started to leak after some time. I don't mind spending a few bucks to get something that won't leak. Any ideas?
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I've always used Fel Pro header gaskets and never had a failure...
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A lot depends on the quality of the header flange itself...as in how thick it is. Some flanges are so thin that after you tighten them the first time, they are bent/warped, and no matter what you do, they just won't seal.
One old timer trick I have is to use a normal paper/asbestos(like the white Mr. Gasket gaskets) header gaskets, and soak them in water for a few minutes before installing. This softens the material, and allows you to tighten the headers down a little more than usual. Once the moisture dries out in the gaskets, they seal up really nice. The softening of the gasket material makes it easier for it to conform to small irregularities in the flange and the head itself. This works pretty well on headers that have bent/warped flanges, and it helps to keep from bending the flanges on new headers, too.
Make sure whatever gasket you use is the same shape and size as your header tubes/flanges. If the hole in the gasket is round, and your tubes are square, or visa-versa, your gonna eventually get a leak.
One old timer trick I have is to use a normal paper/asbestos(like the white Mr. Gasket gaskets) header gaskets, and soak them in water for a few minutes before installing. This softens the material, and allows you to tighten the headers down a little more than usual. Once the moisture dries out in the gaskets, they seal up really nice. The softening of the gasket material makes it easier for it to conform to small irregularities in the flange and the head itself. This works pretty well on headers that have bent/warped flanges, and it helps to keep from bending the flanges on new headers, too.
Make sure whatever gasket you use is the same shape and size as your header tubes/flanges. If the hole in the gasket is round, and your tubes are square, or visa-versa, your gonna eventually get a leak.
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I too use the soaking in water trick. It really makes a difference. You might also run a file over the sealing surface to make sure it is as straight as you can get it.
Larry
Larry
I went with copper. I used header retainer bolts and so far so good.
i've also had good results with the copper gaskets, they are soft and conform to any irregularities
I have used all the types of header gaskets know to man and some that are not known and have had success using "Percy's Seal 4 Good",purchased through Jeg's and Summit,albeit expensive they have not failed me as yet, and have them on all my cars with headers and suggest them to customers of performance engines I have built.
They have been advertised to be reusable and I can attest that is true.I changed a set of headers on my '72 truck and used the same gaskets.They came off easily and went back on without any leaks.That was 7 years ago and still no leaks..
Just a suggestion....
Good luck,
nosal1
Sorry Guys,
I forgot to mention that a fellow member VETTER BOB has also used Percy's header gaskets on his engine's headers and we changed the headers (do not want to go there) 3 times and still not leaking............
nosal1
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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