fixing an exhaust leak help
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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fixing an exhaust leak help
I have an exhaust leak on one of my headers where it connects to the head that I cant seem to get rid of. I have changed to gasket twice and its still there. I was told not to use RTV but I'm considering using it.......bad idea or good idea, or something else??
Any ideas on how to fix this problem without buying new headers......?
Any ideas on how to fix this problem without buying new headers......?
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Iowa
If there not to warped, silicone works great. I went thru 3 sets of gaskets in one year. Couldent afford new ones at time so i used rtv on them. They now have about 2000 mi on them and they still dont leak. Dont use gaskets, just rtv.
Also have a freind with a c***y That has a 454 and he is used rts four 5 years now and it is still sealed.
I think it works better then any gasket.
Hope this helps.
Also have a freind with a c***y That has a 454 and he is used rts four 5 years now and it is still sealed.
I think it works better then any gasket.
Hope this helps.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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my exaust manifold leaks like that too. I didnt know you could use rtv on an exaust manifold. How hot does a manifold get? the rtv i have used says up to 650 degrees or so. OR is there a special type of RTV you need if your putting it on an exaust manifold? whats it called? (spacificly)
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well I finally got around to pulling the header off.
Tell me if I'm crazy but my header to exhaust manifold flange has a about an 1/8" lip around each exhaust port and the gaskets don't sit right no matter which way I turn them. Should I grind these lip down or what??????
Some more insight would be great before I just buy new headers.
Tell me if I'm crazy but my header to exhaust manifold flange has a about an 1/8" lip around each exhaust port and the gaskets don't sit right no matter which way I turn them. Should I grind these lip down or what??????
Some more insight would be great before I just buy new headers.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Iowa
the rtv i used is orange and it comes in a container that looks just like a can of cheeze wiz. Same type of top that you push over and rtv comes out. I will get the name of it and post it. Like i said it has been a long time since i used the stuff, but i will tell you, i will never use a gasket on manifolds again.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Hesperia CA
Assuming an FE motor in a 66, haven't got a clue about the 1/8" lips you're finding Xman, but grinding sounds a little drastic. I wouldn't recommend that.
FWIW I've used that orange high temp RTV without a gasket on my Pinto motors for years, but they've got a flat sided head that makes for good sealing. Never had a problem. Easy cleanup too.
Not sure how well the RTV would work on an FE with those individual exhaust flanges.
FWIW I've used that orange high temp RTV without a gasket on my Pinto motors for years, but they've got a flat sided head that makes for good sealing. Never had a problem. Easy cleanup too.
Not sure how well the RTV would work on an FE with those individual exhaust flanges.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 957
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From: Winchendon MA
Grind the flanges flat! then use ither the expencive SOFT copper header gaskets OR use the white fiber one but DO NOT INSTALL DRY!! boil a kettle of watter and place the gaskets in a glass dish and pour the boiling water over the gaskets and let them sit minimum of 15 minutes in the water they'll swell up and become plyable now install them while there hot and soft start the motor run for 5 minutes and kill it wait 5 min more then retighten the bolts. That should be all it takes for years of good service.
44Dwarf
44Dwarf
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Believe it or not, what 44dwarf says is exactly right. In fact its probably the only way to get long term service from header gskts. What brand of headers do you have? I have a set of "Headmans" that have a ridge around them too. I sealed them with the white fiber gskts after soaking them and tightening them as explained by 44dwarf. I had no futher problem. Just as long as they never come loose you should be fine. I personally wouldn't use silicone simply because it looks sloppy. On an old farm truck it wouldn't matter, but I like to show off my engine.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Iowa
Just a note on the use os silicone. I show my fairlane and and showed the truck (truck is now under going a restoration).
I siliconed both these and are no means farm vehicles. What you need to do is clean off silicone after you tighten bolts and with such a thin layer you can't see any silicone. I also use por high heat manifold paint and touched up around mating area.
I also could use gaskets now that i had my manifolds resurfaced but i like the looks of not having any paper gasket material showing.
Just my opinion.
I siliconed both these and are no means farm vehicles. What you need to do is clean off silicone after you tighten bolts and with such a thin layer you can't see any silicone. I also use por high heat manifold paint and touched up around mating area.
I also could use gaskets now that i had my manifolds resurfaced but i like the looks of not having any paper gasket material showing.
Just my opinion.