blown header gasket
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,888
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From: Iowa
blown header gasket
well most of you know i just got my 390 running, well today i went out to start it, it started just fine, then all the sudden i here what sounds like an exhaust leak, i look at the drivers side header and on the #7 and #8 the header gasket is blown at the top, dont ask me how it happened cause its only run for a total of maybe 1 hour, maybe its them da*n Mr. Gasket header gaskets, but back to my question whats the best header gasket out there.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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The best header remedy I've found is high temp silicone. The copper or orange, they both work well. I've got 9 years on one of my motors (351C) with no leaks. I've used it on many of my freind's and customer's headers & no failure yet.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
Originally Posted by rusty70f100
I like the Victor Nitroseal gaskets available at Napa. Have yet to blow out on me, and I even reused one when I replaced the starter.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Sorry, threw out the packaging many moons ago. I am running Hedman Headers, though. Just go down to Napa and ask for Victor Nitroseal, if they haven't got boneheads working there they will know what you're talking about and look it up for you.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
If it hasn't already been mentioned remember to re-torque the header bolts the first time they heat up and cool down. Keep doing it for a couple of weeks until they just plain don't move anymore. Biggest reason I've found for FE exhaust leaks, even with logs.
And yes, hi-temp RTV (Red Permatex) will do wonders - I didn't use any gaskets on my headers 12 years ago when I bolted in the 390, just used red RTV - still don't leak. The headers themselves are rotting through like swiss cheese, but they aren't leaking at the head
And yes, hi-temp RTV (Red Permatex) will do wonders - I didn't use any gaskets on my headers 12 years ago when I bolted in the 390, just used red RTV - still don't leak. The headers themselves are rotting through like swiss cheese, but they aren't leaking at the head
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
Originally Posted by fordman428
i just got the fel-pro 1442's today, i wont get them on till tomorrow, but they got to be a darn sight better than them Mr. Gasket cardboard crap, i think they cost $29.99.
Hey, Summit has the 1442s for $15.95! thats's a pair, not apiece.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: seattle
I justed put in a jasper 390 and used Mr. Gaskest but wouldn't hold. Then I got the byson truck header gaskets trimmed them up a bit, put the RVT,and they hold. It seems that the Mr. Gaskets are too tall and always leak around the corners of the port. If for some reason this doesn't work my next step is to use the RTV only. And I have tried every other gaskets, except for the nitroseal. The byson header Gaskets (9203)have a smaller port and thats why they seal much better. I had an extra set of headers and gaskets matched them. Their phone number is 1-888-289-2976 and they will not cost to much under 20.00. Good luck.