Header Leaks
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: The blues
was the gaskets changed on the collectors and heads.
Also with one of my header leaks i had for a while there was white ash or something around the ex port that had the gasket leak. If you have something similar maybe try checking out the surface on that area or on the headers to see if they have the right texture/form to seal properly.
Also with one of my header leaks i had for a while there was white ash or something around the ex port that had the gasket leak. If you have something similar maybe try checking out the surface on that area or on the headers to see if they have the right texture/form to seal properly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
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From: Sand Lake, MI
I'd take it off and return it for a replacement, the bolt flange was/is likely bent giving you so much trouble sealing it to the head.
You shouldn't have to use more then one gasket to install a new set of header. If the flange is flat and true there would be no reason to.
Now you find the welds at the collector are sh**.
Take em back and make them give you a new set, take a good straight edge with you, take em out of the box to check them right there in the auto parts before you accept them. Be sure to go over all the welds looking for gaps or cracks while your at it.
You shouldn't have to use more then one gasket to install a new set of header. If the flange is flat and true there would be no reason to.
Now you find the welds at the collector are sh**.
Take em back and make them give you a new set, take a good straight edge with you, take em out of the box to check them right there in the auto parts before you accept them. Be sure to go over all the welds looking for gaps or cracks while your at it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
Well no, your idea isn't a terrible one, it could work just fine depending on where exactly it leaks. If it could be repaired without removing it it may be worth it.
Myself with a new one? One that already was a pain to seal? I'd be more likely to just remove it rather then weld or braze a bad spot for them. That would also depend on the factory finish, just plain primered steel? yea if not real bad I may just fix it in place. The ceramic coated or stainless would have to go back if it where me without a second thought.
I would also think any attempt to repair it weld/braze would void any warranty regardless of finish or material so that is something else to consider as well.
An older set? sure braze the heck out of em!
Brazing rod is cheap, watched a guy try and fix a hole in a tractor rim with a coat hanger, with no flux he couldn't get it to stick to save his A**! lol
I ran down and got him a real rod so he could get the wheel back on.
Myself with a new one? One that already was a pain to seal? I'd be more likely to just remove it rather then weld or braze a bad spot for them. That would also depend on the factory finish, just plain primered steel? yea if not real bad I may just fix it in place. The ceramic coated or stainless would have to go back if it where me without a second thought.
I would also think any attempt to repair it weld/braze would void any warranty regardless of finish or material so that is something else to consider as well.
An older set? sure braze the heck out of em!
Brazing rod is cheap, watched a guy try and fix a hole in a tractor rim with a coat hanger, with no flux he couldn't get it to stick to save his A**! lol
I ran down and got him a real rod so he could get the wheel back on.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Belle Mead NJ
Sometimes the aftermarket headers have bigger openings in them vs the stock ones, if you get a good set of gaskets you shouldnt have a prob. I use these, sell at autozone/pepboys. These are Mr Gasket ultra seals if i remember right.
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Thanks for all the tips...I took it off and welded it shut!...The one pipe going into the collecter wasnt even welded...It was welded from the inside and it looked as tho it was to short and was leaking where it goes into the collector..So i just filled it up with a welding rod...Ah well a lesson learned!!