Header flanges - smooth or raised bead?
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From: Orlando
Header flanges - smooth or raised bead?
I'm shopping for repalcement headers for my 82 F250 4x4 with 460. I bought the cheaper ones and now the flanges have warped.
What is better for sealing the raised bead (weld) around the ports - like Hedman Elite uses (and most others) or the smooth flange like Stan's headers (and I think L&L) uses. BTW Can anyone confirm that L&L has the weld/bead around the port/pipes?
Stan's web site http://www.stans-headers.com says the smooth flange is best, and the others say the raised bead is needed fo rgood sealing. hedman says you have to use their gasket (because of raised weld/bead) or it will leak and void the warranty.
I will make sure I get 3/8" thick flanges either way.
What is better for sealing the raised bead (weld) around the ports - like Hedman Elite uses (and most others) or the smooth flange like Stan's headers (and I think L&L) uses. BTW Can anyone confirm that L&L has the weld/bead around the port/pipes?
Stan's web site http://www.stans-headers.com says the smooth flange is best, and the others say the raised bead is needed fo rgood sealing. hedman says you have to use their gasket (because of raised weld/bead) or it will leak and void the warranty.
I will make sure I get 3/8" thick flanges either way.
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From: Centerville, Iowa
The 3/8" flange is hte important part. As far as raised bead vs smooth..I'd think a raised bead would cause distortion itself when you crank it down. A smooth mating surface with a quality gasket (as well as a liquid application gasket perhaps) ought to do the job just fine. Maybe someone else can give more insight though...
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From: Orlando
Thanks for replying - I bought a set of L&L headers
They have a 1/2" thick flange I'm told - and they use a raised bead "to apply additional sealing force/pressure to the gasket".
I just hope they don't require any additonal clearence between the pipes and frame rail on the passenegr side - I only have about 1/4 to 3/8" clearence there.
I just hope they don't require any additonal clearence between the pipes and frame rail on the passenegr side - I only have about 1/4 to 3/8" clearence there.
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From: Centerville, Iowa
That's what I wast thinking as well. That raised bead woudl in deed create a crush zone where the gasket would be severely crushed in around the port - very hard for exhaust gas to get out. But...I don't see how the rest of the header that is not raised can properly mate. To me it would promote possible warpage. Also, what if that raised bead imprints into your head surface..and later you go with a normal one? Just my thoughts, worries. But what their explanation is...that was my guess. Crush in around so that it doesn't have a chance.
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From: Quispamsis, N.B, Canada
What kind of raised bead are we talking here? Like more than a 1/4"? I don't think my hedmans are like this, I'll have to crack them out to check. Man I gotta get my truck fixed... my exhaust leak is really bad you can smell it in the cab...
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From: Centerville, Iowa
I don't know that the raised bead would hurt anything. Hedman sells enough headers though that it's got to be perfectly safe. I'm just raising my own concerns.
All that matters is that the ports are sealed. You have a quality gasket and the gasket maker, no? Go ahead and get them on there. I think if anything the raised bead GUARENTEES a seal. If not...just have to return I guess.
I couldn't see the bead being more then 1/16th anyways. It shouldn't take much for a seal.
All that matters is that the ports are sealed. You have a quality gasket and the gasket maker, no? Go ahead and get them on there. I think if anything the raised bead GUARENTEES a seal. If not...just have to return I guess.
I couldn't see the bead being more then 1/16th anyways. It shouldn't take much for a seal.
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From: Orlando
The raised bead is really the weld where the pipe connects to the flange
I would guestimate that it is no larger than 1/16".
BTW, I ordered the L&L headers thanks to replies and earlier postings on this board. They have 1/2" thick flanges so I won't have to worry about warping.
Mike
BTW, I ordered the L&L headers thanks to replies and earlier postings on this board. They have 1/2" thick flanges so I won't have to worry about warping.
Mike
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