copper header gaskets
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
copper header gaskets
Do those copper header gaskets really work and do they have to be embossed or can they be flat and still work? I have a recurring problem with gaskets leaking on my 300 six and I have already had the headers resurfaced to make sure they are flat.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
copper header gaskets
Hey there inliner! No-one responded to your thread! I will!
Copper gaskets are becoming the gaskets of the future. They can be embossed(knurled) or flat. The header bolts still need to be re-torqued as usual, but only about an hours worth of run time, and usually only one re-torque is enough.
I've seen some header flanges cut for each individual exhaust ports to rid the dreaded gasket blowout also.
Good luck and we'll talk with you later....
Copper gaskets are becoming the gaskets of the future. They can be embossed(knurled) or flat. The header bolts still need to be re-torqued as usual, but only about an hours worth of run time, and usually only one re-torque is enough.
I've seen some header flanges cut for each individual exhaust ports to rid the dreaded gasket blowout also.
Good luck and we'll talk with you later....
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Acworth, GA
copper header gaskets
What is the difference between copper and aluminum gaskets? Other than the obvious that one is copper and one is aluminum. I have seen both advertised as better than traditional gasket material, but don't know which is appropriate for different applications.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
copper header gaskets
Hey agelder! Great question! You would actually want to use the aluminum gaskets with aluminum headed engines. Since they dissapate heat so fast, the aluminum conforms to the minor warping if there is any. There is more likely of an occurance for detonation with aluminum heads as well, and it's cheaper to blow out an aluminum gasket, than to bend a valve, or bust a couple of springs.
The one thing you don't want to do, is use copper with aluminum. The 2 metals are just not compatable with each other. The aluminum attacks the copper very quickly, which breaks down their components in some rather weird areas!
What is great about both, is that they can be re-tightened as needed and re-used. When you have porting done, those can be done as well.
Thanks for the questions guys! If there is any thing else you might think of, give us a hollar! Talk with you guys later....
The one thing you don't want to do, is use copper with aluminum. The 2 metals are just not compatable with each other. The aluminum attacks the copper very quickly, which breaks down their components in some rather weird areas!
What is great about both, is that they can be re-tightened as needed and re-used. When you have porting done, those can be done as well.
Thanks for the questions guys! If there is any thing else you might think of, give us a hollar! Talk with you guys later....
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Acworth, GA
copper header gaskets
That's a nice thing to know. I hadn't thought there would be problems with aluminum heads/copper gaskets, but it is definitely a good thing to know, as I was planning on swapping out exhaust manifolds on my other car. Gotta make sure I get the right gaskets.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
deerhuntertyler
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
12
Jan 6, 2016 11:18 PM
scottddove
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
5
May 21, 2007 10:10 PM
horsetruck
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
4
Dec 26, 2001 12:00 AM
