Header headaches...................

[strat1960s]

Well Ya'll..............
I got my car back last week and 5 Star engines did a great job. They however discovered one of the issues I have been dealing with over the last year. I can't get my Clifford headers to seal. The main problem is the area around the # 3 and # 4 exhaust ports. I go through header gaskets about every 3 to 4 months. 5 Star said they checked the exhaust surfaces on the head and they were fine, which leads me to believe any problems will most likely be in the header. (Mike could I get 2 sets of exhaust and intake gaskets from you this time?) I was told that if I soak the gaskets in water before installing them they would expand. I would like to give that a try. I also found a company that if I send them a fresh set of gaskets they would make me a set of copper gaskets. Has anyone else had problems with Clifford headers? What is a permanent fix?

Ted

 

[CobraSix]

What is a permanent fix?

fordsix headers... hehe

I'm not sure if the water trick will work for the long term. There is always some JB weld...

Slade

 

[Falcon62]

I'm not sure if the water trick will work for the long term. There is always some JB weld...

The water trick will work, and will last for quite awhile. I went through a couple sets on the 429 (Hooker Super Comps) in my truck before i accidentally soaked them. They haven't leaked in since 1989 and the same double set is still on that engine.

Collector gaskets are a different story. :roll:

 

[CobraSix]

Learn something new every day. I'll have to remember that.

Slade

 

[rbohm]

8) check the header gasket flange for straightness.

 

[Anonymous]

i have heard of many people having exhaust leak problems with clifford headers. thats over at the slant six forum but from what i hear cliffords quality has gone down in recent years.

 

[Anonymous]

Do you have the port divider installed?? If not, thats what youre problem is!

Clifford headers are notorious for having leaks there if youre not running the divider.

Later,

Doug

 

[Anonymous]

You could do the same as me and use Ultra Copper Silicone sealant. Me and my dad have ran several demolition derbies , I noted that one of my team mates was using this in place of all of his gaskets except the head. Sometimes the motors are ran without water and get very hot; glowing headers and all. When he removed his headers when doing a rebuild I saw that the silicone was still plyable and had not leaked.

 

[strat1960s]

While the motor was out of the car, I asked the guys at 5 star to look at the exhaust ports to ensure everything was flush. I even asked if they could mill the surfaces to ensure they were flat. They told me that the surface was fine. That leads me to believe that the problem lies in the header itself. I am running the port divider. I am going to try to get ahold of AZCoupe this weekend and see if he can send me a few sets of gaskets. I will send one complete set of gaskets to the company that said they could make copper gaskets for me. I'll also try soaking one set in water. Does anyone know how long the gaskets should soak? A few seconds/minutes????
I have coated the exhaust gaskets with ultra-copper and I think it only bought me a few extra weeks. Am I supposed to put it on thick? I always put just enough on the surfaces to lightly coat them. Would it be better if I put the stuff on extra thick and let it setup before installing the headers?

Here is the email I got in regards to the copper gaskets:
Yes, we could do an RCC or a compostion type of metal/graphite/metal, but we'll need to review what you have to make the best recommendation.

Send it up. Costs: There will likely also be a design fee of around $75.00 - $100.00 dependent on design time, price of part(s) & shipping.

Send parts to:
Flatout Gaskets
664 Tower Rd.
Mundelein, IL. 60060
847.837.9200

Has anyone heard of these guys or dealt with them???

Ted

 

[Does10s]

Don't use gaskets at all! Go down to Ace Hardware and pick up a tube of "100% Silicon". That's the name of the stuff. Get the grey color. Put a bead around each port then attach the header. Let cure for 24hrs. prior to starting.
Works good for a turbo!
Will

 

[Anonymous]

The water trick will work. I went through a couple sets before i accidentally soaked them.

Accidentally soaked them, Phil? More like you left them out in the driveway and it rained Seriously, though- if the gasket is mostly metal like my new one appears to be (still in package), how can moisture soak in? I don't think my roommate would like to get up in the morning to find this in her bathtub- I'll have to plug my shower drain and take the gasket in there next time I've heard of auto parts in the sink, dishwasher, oven....but never in the bathroom

Thor

 

[addo]

I've heard of auto parts in the sink, dishwasher, oven....but never in the bathroom...

You've not lived!