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74redgto · 09-08-2002, 02:01 PM

I have an header leak on my 4x heads. I have felpro gaskets. I am not removing the headers only loosing enough to get the new gaskets in. Cutting them in 3 pieces and doing each seperately. 2 Questions. 1. Does the softer feeling side of the gaskets go against the header flange and the smoother side against the heads? 2. Should I use some kind of sealant on the gaskets?
Hoping to have this done by the second half of the Chiefs game so help is appreciated...

74redgto · 09-08-2002, 02:01 PM

I have an header leak on my 4x heads. I have felpro gaskets. I am not removing the headers only loosing enough to get the new gaskets in. Cutting them in 3 pieces and doing each seperately. 2 Questions. 1. Does the softer feeling side of the gaskets go against the header flange and the smoother side against the heads? 2. Should I use some kind of sealant on the gaskets?
Hoping to have this done by the second half of the Chiefs game so help is appreciated...

Rob B · 09-08-2002, 09:12 PM

Now that the game is probably over this might not help. If you have a set of headers made for your car, I am assuming a 74 GTO, its a fairly simple car to pull them all the way out and make sure that your surfaces are totally clean, if not clean them. I've never used the fel pro gaskets, alway used the Mr Gasket premium ones with the high temp copper sealant. never had a problem with them leaking after I started using that on my d-ports. Now I have e-heads and didn't used anything on them and so far no leaks or blow outs.

74redgto · 09-08-2002, 11:08 PM

Unfortunately it isn't over. I solved the middle flange leak by installing new gasket and using the red high temp silicone sealant. BUT, front passenger flange is still leaking. I did the same, didn't get a good seal, I then worked to place another gasket doubling the effort. Still I have a leak. Tomorrow will remove today's efforts and will try again fresh. If it doesn't work then will have to remove the headers. They are not impossible to work with, especially on the passenger side, but they are all the trouble I want, especially with a lot of other repairs waiting.
Thanks for the suggestions, ALL are welcome.

rickschabener · 09-09-2002, 06:48 AM

What brand headers are you using and how old are they?

74redgto · 09-09-2002, 10:26 AM

Believe they are hookers, they are old...I know, go buy a new set...BUT, I will be putting a new motor in the spring with e-heads and already have new headers for the new motor. Can't afford to buy a new set for a few months.

rickschabener · 09-09-2002, 11:44 AM

Only reason I asked is because I had an old set of cheap cyclone blackjack headers on my car and they would not seal no matter what I did. The header flange surface was warped and extremely rough. They were never machined smooth.

Rob B · 09-09-2002, 02:42 PM

If you think you have problems now and your switching to e-heads in the spring.... Your going to love installing your new ones on the drivers side!!!!!

What brand did you buy and what size pipe/collector?
If you already have them and they are the hedmans1 7/8" 3 1/2" made for a 69 firebird, I'd seriously think about sending them back and getting a custom set made or talk to Scott Esterle at Summit.
Apparently he has had Hedman make custom 1 3/4" with 3" collectors that will fit a 74 ventura (GTO) for some of their customers but I don't know how good they fit.
I'll inform you NOW that you will Bitch, Cuss, Moan, and Bitch again and again if you have the Hedmans for a Fbird. They WILL hit the motor mount (modify the mount), They WILL hit the starter, and they WILL hit your gear box and your steering knuckle, thats with manual steering. If you have power steering

I wish I would have had a set made, it would have been well worth the extra cost for them for the time I spent making the ones I had fit. I was not impressed at all with the workmanship of the bends of the Hedmans. Thank God I didn't spend the money to get them coated! Now the passenger wasn't so bad, it's a 2 piece design on the set I have and takes a little finagaling to get them together.

74redgto · 09-09-2002, 09:12 PM

Scott has already taken care of me on the Hedmans that are suppose to fit without all of the headache. Won't know til spring if they work. I honestly don't remember what brand headers I bought 20 some years ago, But the people who have had the car the last 15 years didn't change them. Gives an idea of what they have done with it. Worked all day trying to seal it, sealed 2 gaskets together, still no good. Leak stopped in the front of the flange but still coming through the back. Think I will try our forsale section on this site for used.

Rob B · 09-10-2002, 09:24 AM

I had a set of hooker super comps 1 3/4" That were in perfect shape that I sold last month for $100. That is one of the best fitting headers you will find for that car with d-ports! Good luck in your search.

74redgto · 09-10-2002, 10:06 AM

Well to cheaply get by, I just order the walker's from Spotts Performance. They said they would clear the power steering, guess I'll know in a couple of days.

428GTO70 · 09-10-2002, 10:12 PM

while you have the headers out, get a file or something to get all that hardened stuck on gasket material off your heads. In my experience its what is stuck to the heads that cause the problem, and it will just ruin new gaskets real fast if left there.

74redgto · 09-10-2002, 10:39 PM

Great reminder, thanks 428. I used some sand paper to try and remove gunk from heads and headers, but wasn't successful. I am in a time crunch to get it done, but at the same time going to take the time to do it right. Will make sure the new headers have a good mounting surface.

RRF · 09-11-2002, 11:02 PM

I have an old article from HPP around here called "Header Headaches" or something, that gave a step by step process for installing Hooker Super Comps. It involved placing the gaskets on the heads, marking and trimming off the excess gasket, transferring the trimmed gasket to the headers, and then cutting the unnecessary header flange between the primaries.
I could scan it and email it to you... if you're interested.

74redgto · 09-11-2002, 11:34 PM

I very much appreciate the offer, but I am going to leave the flange complete if possible. The ones I have seperate tube flanges, they have been nothing but trouble. Would like to see if the full flange aids or hurts.
Again though, thanks...

428GTO70 · 09-12-2002, 02:54 AM

Yeah I also tried to use sandpaper but it didnt work on the tough crap, I went to sears and got a fine straight flat file and it took all the stuff off the head and my manifolds very easy, only had to drop out the bolts and was able to run the file on the surfaces quite easily.

rickschabener · 09-12-2002, 06:51 AM

My old, cheap headers would never seal. I installed super comps on my 68 Firebird 3 months ago. I also removed the flange between the primaries. They seal great! The only thing that appears to make a difference is a thick flange and a machine tooled mating surface.

PONCHOMAN · 01-30-2003, 06:28 PM

I always use the tin exhaust manifold gasket that felpro sells and I have never had a header leak at the head.

DAVE RIBEIRO · 01-30-2003, 08:59 PM

Something you need to try on new or old is
using double gaskets and keep tightening the headers bolts..In many cases that's what starts
the problem in the first place..They come lose and create a leak, then you have already ruined the gasket..Keep the bolts tight and you will have
no-problems??? good luck..Dave 1033/stock

PMDRACER · 01-31-2003, 12:47 AM

I use Permatex Ultra Copper on both sides of the gaskets befroe installs, and then tighten up the bolts. My old Hedmans have been on the car for 8 years now with no leaks. And, I do not have the outer bolts.
One trick though is to install the headers, and then every time you drive it, let it cool down completely, and re-tighten the bolts. Keep doing this until 3 times in a row, none of the bolts move. The gaskets shrink a little with the first days of heating and cooling. That's why they come loose at first.

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