Clifford header gasket

[ricksmol]

I noticed lately that my car was making a very annoying clicking sound. I determined that it was not lifters or valves. It seemed to come from the exhaust area. Sure enough, took out the header and the gasket was burnt (blown?) to a crisp. Big time leak.
Now, I have a Clifford header. I had in the gararge a new gasket for a standard exhaust manifold, but it and the header do not get along. The two central holes in the gasket are much larger (taller) than the header. My question is this. Do I have to die in Clifford? Knowing their service record I would like to avoid it. Any other ideas as to a gasket that will work?
Thanks.
Rick

 

[MustangSix]

Rick, One idea.

If the sealing surfaces are relatively clean and straight, perhaps some copper sheet and some Coppercoat sealant might work better.

You wouldn't necessarily have to make it one piece. Cut four small sections and the one center. Notch the bolt holes so that you could start the bolts and then just slip the sections into place.

If you pick up some copper at the craft store or Home Despot you might have to anneal it with a torch first, but otherwise, it should work.

 

[65coupei6]

Is the gasket you have a Fel-pro? I hate those thin paper Cliffy gaskets.

 

[Anonymous]

Rick,

So the middle ports are a little big. It will seal. I ran numerous Fel-Pro gaskets on my Clifford header for quite some time (I pulled the head a few too many times...) and never had a problem. I like to dress them with some Ultra Copper Permatex before hand.

 

[Anonymous]

Cliffy gaskets are crap. I used their gasket on my valve cover and the thing wouldnt seal up. I put on some RTV gasket sealent also and it kept leaking oil. I'm going to pick up a Fel-Pro in a couple days.

MIke

 

[ricksmol]

I decided to take Jack's advise and bought some copper sheeting, annealed it and made my own gasket. It was a pain in the a$$, but I did it.
You can see it in comparison to a standard Fel-Pro gasket. Now one more question...can I use a high temperature silicon sealant to (copper colored I believe) to seal it?
Rick

 

[Anonymous]

Rick, I have had problems as well with leaky headrers. I have the Clifford dual outlet header and aussie head. Summit makes a composite gasket which fits. The only difference is you have to seperate the 5th and 6th outlets over so the holes match up. The gasket is perforated there just so you can do this. My problem has been that if the port divider is not flush with the exhaust opening, it will be guaranteed to leak after a period of time, no matter what type of gasket, or filler you use.

 

[MustangSix]

My header is sealed with a copper gasket and copper silicone sealant. So far, no leaks.

 

[ricksmol]

Broncobo: I had the port divider welded in and had the head exhaust surface planed afterwards. The divider looks as though it is part of the original head. I hope that is not my problem, but thanks for the warning.

Jack: What do you call a copper silicon sealer. Can I use some Hi-Temp black silicon sealer?

Rick

 

[MustangSix]

Permatex makes this copper stuff; I forget the exact name, but it's on the shelf at most parts stores. It's just like silicone, but is copper colored and has copper particles in it.

I looked in the garage, but I don't seem to have a tube left (thanks, son :x ). I have to make a parts run tomorrow and will post the number and description.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Rick,

It's Permatex Ultracopper. Une it on both sides of the gasket. Let it get a little tacky before you install. Very important to re-tighten the header bolts after a few hunderd miles and occasionally thereafter. A loose header will blow a gasket quickly. I use a felpro and unltracopper. Keep it tight and no problems. Buy the way, Clifford seems to have overcome there deliverey problems. Many members, myself included, have reported good service as of late.

All the best - Steve

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, would a header from a Falcon fit a mustang with a 250?

 

[ricksmol]

OK. I got the engine back together with the new copper header gaskets, and its unbelivable whatta difference a li'l ole gasket makes.
The car sounds different (no tak,tak noise when accelerating). Much smoother and it even feels as though it has more power. (psychological?)
Anyway, thanks for the advice and support.
Rick

OUR6T6: There is no reason why a Falcon header should not fit a 250 engine.

 

[MustangSix]

Some 200 headers will interfere with the low mount 250 starter. Check to make sure.