Header leaking
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 21
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Header leaking
I have an 87 F-150 302. I put headers on it about 1 year ago and ive been having problems with one of them leaking. I just replaced the gasket and retightened all the bolts and its still leaking. What might be the problem?
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 33
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From: St. Merdinard, Indiana
cracked because of heat or maybe a hole that you did hear at first getting bigger
I had a problem so bad I had to take them off and reweld all the beads they had put on because I put out too much heat causing cracks
I had a problem so bad I had to take them off and reweld all the beads they had put on because I put out too much heat causing cracks
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
1" header bolts will make a big difference. also if you start your tightening sequence in the middle of the header and work you way out in a cross pattern you will ge a more snug fit as well.
what brand header are you running and did you unbolt the Y pipe before you tried to bolt the header back up?
what brand header are you running and did you unbolt the Y pipe before you tried to bolt the header back up?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: North Texas
All excellent suggestions. The only thing I can add is that if you have a binding/torqueing issue with you exhaust system it will flex your headers a lot possibly making them crack, brake welds etc. Make sure your exhaust system has some flex (to avoid binding) and doesn't want to jump to a new spot when it's unbolted from the headers (to avoid torquing).
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Calhoun GA
I doubt longer bolts will be needed if the locking C-clips and washers are installed. In some cases a longer bolt wont even go in straight because of the way the primaries are bent...never hurts to try it though. If you can get longer bolts in, then a regular old lock washer can be used to keep the bolt from backing out.
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