Header Leak
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Header Leak
Hey, I have a 77 F-150 that has a 460 swapped into it. The header has a couple leaks and one is big enough to stick a pen through it. The local muffler shop won't touch it. I don't know who could fix it?? Any ideas?
I also heard from a guy, that I could buy a 1980 Ford 4x4 460 headers and they would fit and yet they only cost closer to 300 instead of the 500. Any truth to this?
LMK.
Thanks,
Kyle
I also heard from a guy, that I could buy a 1980 Ford 4x4 460 headers and they would fit and yet they only cost closer to 300 instead of the 500. Any truth to this?
LMK.
Thanks,
Kyle
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 675
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From: Springfield, OR
There are muffler shops that will tackle it but expect a big bill-lots of times the bolts break off in the head and they can be near impossible to get out which means pull the head. Some shops will get the broken bolts out by blasting them out with a acetylene torch-doesnt hurt the threads in the head. If you can loosen each exhaust bolt first I'll bet the shop might take the job.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Cullman Alabama
You might have a Chip out of the header.
I know you dont want to do this, I wouldn't either, but if you pull the header off, you can see more about that problem.
You can true up the Header where it fit's the head as well. If it's not leaking there yet, it will soon.
I fixed my broken header bolts through the fender well, with a long drill and a tap. But those bolts going up into the end of the collector can be a bugger because you cant reach them with power tools.
I scrounged some exhaust do-nuts and used them in my collector junction.
Lube them before you tighten the bolts and everything will kinda shake into place. The lube burns away quickly, leaving no smell behind.
Those do-nuts might seal the big crack/chip you are dealing with too.
I know you dont want to do this, I wouldn't either, but if you pull the header off, you can see more about that problem.
You can true up the Header where it fit's the head as well. If it's not leaking there yet, it will soon.
I fixed my broken header bolts through the fender well, with a long drill and a tap. But those bolts going up into the end of the collector can be a bugger because you cant reach them with power tools.
I scrounged some exhaust do-nuts and used them in my collector junction.
Lube them before you tighten the bolts and everything will kinda shake into place. The lube burns away quickly, leaving no smell behind.
Those do-nuts might seal the big crack/chip you are dealing with too.
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I was hoping the shop would be able to get under and attempt to fix them without removing them. You can see the major hole from the front fender well.
Worse case, if I have to buy new headers, is there any where to buy some used ones? Or any way getting around paying 500?
Worse case, if I have to buy new headers, is there any where to buy some used ones? Or any way getting around paying 500?
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Got a better look at the leak today. There is several holes. But, its not b/c of rust. Who would I look for to repair this?
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Cargo Master
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From: Golden, CO
Originally Posted by BigBody
I got lucky, found a set of Hookers at the local self serve yard. I think I got out for less than $30. I usually don't have the spare coin when something worthwhile is set out.
Good luck! Mike
