Headers
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New User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Headers
Hey guys,
I seem to have a problem with my header gaskets always leaking. I have a 78 f-250 totally restored but cant seem to get her quiet. I changed the gaskets twice already with metal ones because they do not make copper gaskets for my truck. Is there anything else I can do. It will be o.k for a week or two but after that it starts leaking again even if I tighten them. What can I do?
I seem to have a problem with my header gaskets always leaking. I have a 78 f-250 totally restored but cant seem to get her quiet. I changed the gaskets twice already with metal ones because they do not make copper gaskets for my truck. Is there anything else I can do. It will be o.k for a week or two but after that it starts leaking again even if I tighten them. What can I do?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Headers
Sounds like the header flange is warped and/or the gasket doesn't match properly. I had to modify my gasket to get it to line up properly, I cut the bolt holes and moved it up 1/8" or so. I then checked the header flange for straightness and used a file to clean it up a bit. Then I oblonged the holes and moved the header up to match the ports.
I used some wax paper to draw the outline of the ports of both sides and that helped to locate the best sealing position. Also, I use some high temp copper sealant and it seems to be holding.
Before I did the port matching, I had bad leaks too, the gasket didn't properly cover the sealing edge. Some machine shops can resurface headers for you if they are warped.
I used some wax paper to draw the outline of the ports of both sides and that helped to locate the best sealing position. Also, I use some high temp copper sealant and it seems to be holding.
Before I did the port matching, I had bad leaks too, the gasket didn't properly cover the sealing edge. Some machine shops can resurface headers for you if they are warped.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Headers
Hopefully our resident header advocates will stop by with good advise for you. I have seen double gaskets used.
John
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66F100s Rule
In the cool still quite of night you can hear chevies rusting away.
John
jowilker
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker|Club FTE since 01 01] My FTE Page
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NC Truck Owners] NC Ford Truck owners group
66F100s Rule
In the cool still quite of night you can hear chevies rusting away.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,623
Likes: 342
From: Albuquerque
Headers
I've had good luck with the "stock"style metal gaskets on my headers. If you have a solid plate that bolts to the head you might consider cutting them between each port to relieve the tension. Also tighten the headers first then the colletors etc. down the line. This keeps tension off them. Retorque after a few miles.
1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything
1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Headers
I agree with the above advice but also soak your gaskets with copper gasket spray,it works great, I usually get 2 years out of a set of header gaskets when I spray them and re torque the bolts after you heat them up for the first time.The copper spray helps keep the headers sealed when the bolts loosen up.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 1
From: Racine WI
Headers
the copper spray a gasket helps alot too, do you have access to a mill, you may wanna run a face mill down the header flange to smooth it out
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
Headers
Be sure your motor mounts are in good condition and tight. Ditto for the transmission mount. Engine torque, frame flex, and poorly installed exhaust system hangars cause a lot of exhaust system leaks. I use a couple of U-bolts and a piece of angle iron to connect both exhaust pipes to the tail shaft of the transmission. This setup prevents the headers and header flange from working loose by eliminating most of the torque flexing between the engine/header and exhaust system. The flexing is moved to the exhaust sustem/mufflers which are hung in rubber mounts anyway. If you take your time and do a little grinding you can fabricate this bracket in an hour or two and prevent most header leaks.
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
