Header gaskets keep blowing them out..

[strat1960s]

I am running the Clifford dual headers and have had troubles keeping the header gaskets from blowing out after a few weeks. I've heard of people soaking them in water for a few seconds to get them to expand a little. Have any of you tried this? How did it work??
Thanks,
Ted

 

[rbohm]

8) the very first thing to do is check the flange for warping. that is usually the problem with headers. the cause can be poor manufacturing, poor design, or uneven bolt torque. also the header bolts have a tendency to back off due to vibration.

soaking the gasket overnight in water does work, only if you are using a fiber gasket. other things you can do are;

1: switch to a copper or aluminum gasket, they seal well and are reusable.

2: use ultracopper rtv either as a sealant or gasket itself

3: use a thread locker on the bolts, or use a lock system, or even a lock type bolt.

 

[Anonymous]

I like to use ultra copper RTV on both sides of the gasket. The key is to let it set up a little before you install the gaskets. You want it soft and sticky still, but not wet. I have had really good luck with this setup.

 

[Anonymous]

I would try a set of locking header bolts-- I got my headers from FSPP and the bolts have an allen headed insert in the bolt that expands the bolt shank and locks it so it can't loosen. I used FSPP header gasket also. I installed my headers tourgued them down, then drove it for about 50 miles and tourgued them again, repeated, then the 3rd time ran the inserts tight and have not touched them again. I don't know if that is even the recommended technigue- but it has worked for me. Now if i can get ahold of some copper collecter gaskets maybe i can stop changing 1 or the other of them every 3 weeks. But they only take 20 minutes and are cheap.LOL

 

[strat1960s]

OK, I should have been a little more specific with my set up. I used a custom made copper/graphite gasket from Flatout, it lasted two months before blowing out. I've used the ultra copper gasket RTV in addition to the locking header bolts sold by FSP and that set up lasted a few months as well.
Thanks for your in puts.

Ted

 

[Anonymous]

I used a regular mettalic gasket then applied a thick bead of 100% silicaon high temp RTV onto it. Let it set for at least 15 minutes and then installed the exhaust header. I just got it up snug enough to just start to ooze out the RTV and let it sit overnight. In the morning I tightened up to torque specs.

Working great for me. I have locking header bolts and have had no problems or leaks for a year.

Steve-O

 

[wallaka]

Maybe the header flange isn't true. If so, no amount of labor on your part will make it seal without blowing.

 

[Anonymous]

Maybe the header flange isn't true. If so, no amount of labor on your part will make it seal without blowing.

Probably the biggest reason.

No gaskets here...ever. Just high temp silicone...and two FLAT surfaces!!

 

[XPC66]

Could try high crush graphite gaskets instead.

 

[Anonymous]

You might try two gaskets if the header is warped. Or you might have bad motor mounts or the exhaust is not able to move with the engine.

 

[powerband]

You might try two gaskets if the header is warped. Or you might have bad motor mounts or the exhaust is not able to move with the engine.

This might or might not be Strat's problem but i strongly agree . I can't imagine a HP engine setup without allowing for lots of engine twisting (torqueing). I bracket the headers to the engine ahead of the outlets and use Stainless flex sections right after the collectors. Also hang pipes and muff's with rubber type straps. I know on the stock systems a main cause of Exh manifold cracking and leaks is a broken or missing attaching bracket below the outlet. This puts force on the mounting flange/gasket instead of rearward hangars.

 

[ponyboy14]

I went through exactly the same things you did and we have similar engine setups. I was first told to try the copper with the gasket and that didn't work. Then I bought a pair of the locking header bolts and those didn't work. Then I was told not to lock them in until after I had driven it a couple of times so that I could retorque them, but with the OZ intake it is very difficult to get back at the bolts once the intake is back on the engine. I was blowing gakets within days of putting a new one on, and my head had just been plained and they were new headers, regardless to say I was very frustrated and nothing was working. Until I found out about the graphite gaskets. I ordered mine from remflex.com and it was the best purchase I've ever made. They even gurantee no re-torquing and no leaks. Mine hasn't yet and I am very pleased

 

[Gene Fiore]

Have you tried the header gasket from Hooker? It is .070 thick white hi-temp gasket. You can get them from Summit,

part# HOK-10827HKR

Just a thought.

 

[strat1960s]

Hey, guys I really appreciate your responses. I'd love to try some of your suggestions, but it's going to have to wait. I've been in Iraq since June and I still have a few months to go. After I get back and have had some time to spend with my wife and kids, I hope to bend wrenches on the mustang again.
Best wishes.
Ted