Exhaust Gaskets
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, TN
Exhaust Gaskets
I have a 75 f100 with a 390 and I can not get the exhaust manafold to seal, has any one used copper gaskets and does it help with a pitted surface? What brand and were can you get them? Does any one have any good Ideas on what I can do?
Thanks David
Thanks David
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,639
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
Exhaust Gaskets
The last time I put my headers on I used a "factory style" crushed steel sandwich gasket from NAPA. Originally there might not have been a gasket at all. The steel ones work much better than paper.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
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From: Gainesville, FL
Exhaust Gaskets
Blue,
Don't hesitate to double up on exhaust gaskets. I have a technique that has worked, time, and time again. Use a factory gasket. Steel side against block. Secondly, buy a header gasket, soak it in water, and double up!
It Works,
Coppers work well when there is no initial problem with sealing.
I've also sprayed stock gaskets with copper spray, it doesn't work any better.
Good Luck,
KingFisher
Don't hesitate to double up on exhaust gaskets. I have a technique that has worked, time, and time again. Use a factory gasket. Steel side against block. Secondly, buy a header gasket, soak it in water, and double up!
It Works,
Coppers work well when there is no initial problem with sealing.
I've also sprayed stock gaskets with copper spray, it doesn't work any better.
Good Luck,
KingFisher
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 997
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From: texarkana, tx
Exhaust Gaskets
Bluemustang --
Yup, I'm using the Mr Gasket copper gaskets on my L&L headers --- man, those gaskets are ***NICE*** and I've worked with MANY gaskets through the years!! Also using Mr Gasket header studs....real nice combo. www.summitracing.com has them....
I had a leak problem after initial start-up using the L&L gaskets...the copper ones nipped it in the bud really good!
Good luck,
Yup, I'm using the Mr Gasket copper gaskets on my L&L headers --- man, those gaskets are ***NICE*** and I've worked with MANY gaskets through the years!! Also using Mr Gasket header studs....real nice combo. www.summitracing.com has them....
I had a leak problem after initial start-up using the L&L gaskets...the copper ones nipped it in the bud really good!
Good luck,
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Exhaust Gaskets
Another good choice for exhaust gaskets is ones that are called Nitro-seal. I think that is right. Anyway, they are normally the most expensive option on a gasket that you can get at Napa. The gasket is silver colored. Try them out. They work real good and are easy to remove from your heads in a few years. They do not get hard and crusty and just scrape right off.
MasterMarine
MasterMarine
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 499
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From: Michigan
Exhaust Gaskets
I am useing copper header gaskets and high temperature sealer.
1979 F350,4x4,NP435,5:13 gears,Detroit locker in rear with hardened shafts,ABR in the front,L&L Ladder Bars,360 with 428 crank & rods,390 HP heads,Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch,MSD Ignition,39.5x18 Boggers,bucket seats out of a Lightning,& a Southern Body that is perfect.
1997 F350 PowerStroke 4X4,36 Inch Super Swampers, Strait Piped, Chiped, Propane Injected, LUK Clutch
1979 F350,4x4,NP435,5:13 gears,Detroit locker in rear with hardened shafts,ABR in the front,L&L Ladder Bars,360 with 428 crank & rods,390 HP heads,Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch,MSD Ignition,39.5x18 Boggers,bucket seats out of a Lightning,& a Southern Body that is perfect.
1997 F350 PowerStroke 4X4,36 Inch Super Swampers, Strait Piped, Chiped, Propane Injected, LUK Clutch
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 526
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From: USA
Exhaust Gaskets
i uded the gaskets that came with my headers, there were like a paper/rubber mix, then i put on a healthy amount of copper rtv and i havent had a leak in 18 months.
1977 F250 460
C6 Hedman Headers
Dual 40 series
edelbrock performer
holley 4160
msd 6a and blaster coil
1977 F250 460
C6 Hedman Headers
Dual 40 series
edelbrock performer
holley 4160
msd 6a and blaster coil
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: clementsport canada
Exhaust Gaskets
check your manifold with a straight edge, it might be warped, or have burnt holes from leaks over the years, some machine shops, or engine shops can plane them flat again and that will really help your seal
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Exhaust Gaskets
Yeah, see if your ex manifold is really flat. I never use a gasket on a 302 with stock manifolds. I have a theory that no gasket helps prevent warping. My 65 Mustang came from the factory with no gasket, still no leaks. 
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Exhaust Gaskets
If your surface has pits in it take it to a machine shop and get them to resurface it, you won't get a decent seal if you don't. The resurfacing (~$20) will take care of any warpage. For a stock resurfaced manifold you can try without gaskets or use the steel composition sandwich gaskets from NAPA or Carquest. You do not need any gasket sealer with good gaskets and surfaces. Torque the manifold properly. Use stainless fasteners for high temp resistance if you can. They are available from this guy: http://www.alloyboltz.com/cgi-bin/alzstore.cgi
A lot of factory setups come with no gasket but after they have been removed the first time the factory usually recommends a gasket. The fresh factory surfaces produce a nice seal. I think the gaskets contribute to warping also due to uneven gasket crush during the tightening process.
Has anyone tried using headers without gaskets?
A lot of factory setups come with no gasket but after they have been removed the first time the factory usually recommends a gasket. The fresh factory surfaces produce a nice seal. I think the gaskets contribute to warping also due to uneven gasket crush during the tightening process.
Has anyone tried using headers without gaskets?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,639
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
Exhaust Gaskets
One thing to remember when trying to seal headers. Loosen the entire exhaust system and start retightening from the head flanges back. It removes the tension that can pull the header away from the head.
You can also soak the paper gaskets in water overnight. I've been told it works. With any gasket you should retorque the head bolts a couple of times in the first couple of days.
You can also soak the paper gaskets in water overnight. I've been told it works. With any gasket you should retorque the head bolts a couple of times in the first couple of days.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2000
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Exhaust Gaskets
I agree with the others that say none at all, I tried using 2 (no luck) then an old fella told me to have a machine shop plane them flat.
I just used a strait edge and a mill ******* file, they are cast and it doesnt take all that long, then I used some good silicone (dont know if its needed) but it worked now for over a year now with out any leaks:-)
I just used a strait edge and a mill ******* file, they are cast and it doesnt take all that long, then I used some good silicone (dont know if its needed) but it worked now for over a year now with out any leaks:-)
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