header problems
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New User
Joined: Apr 2008
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header problems
this is my first post on this site and in need of some desperate help!.i just recently rebuilt a 360FE in my 66 f100 and im having some problems with my header gaskets, they are leaking hella heat and noise. causing my valve covers to leak oil(not sure if they are related) and engine compartment to get very hot.somebody help me find some decent gaskets. i think the header flanges are warped and need thicker gasket but i dont know where to get them. ive tried all the auto part stores but no dice .please help i have a almost new engine and cant drive it, i know you FORD guys and gals feel my pan
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 3
From: Elizabethtown, PA
We always sold Fel-Pro 'competition' header gaskets (blue) for problem systems. Didn't always work, but a much higher success ratio than the cheapo Mr Gasket versions. If you warped the flanges though, may not be much help unless you can straighten them or replace with better quality headers. I'm guessing these are not high end ones ( such as Hooker, Thorley). Cheaper headers generally aren't as sturdy.
Headers on a FE are a love/hate relationship for the most part to begin with.
Headers on a FE are a love/hate relationship for the most part to begin with.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
First and foremost, welcome to the fellowship of Ford Truck Enthusiast, the warehouse of knowledgeable and helpful members.
Have used the Fel-Pro gaskets John noted on the 390ci. and they have held up well. Posting couple links where subject has come up, sometimes the threads/information can be helpful, and other times when the comments, etc. need to be sorted out. If unable to find locally, suggest try Summit Performance, or Jegs. There is a whole host of additional threads on the topic, if interested, go to the top of this page and under 'Forum' open the menu and scroll down and open the search window. Under 'keyword' enter 'header gaskets', or something simular, then narrow search to the 'FE and FT big block V8' to engine catagory that applies, then enter.
Again, Welcome to FTE.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...r-gaskets.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...r-gaskets.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-headders.html
Have used the Fel-Pro gaskets John noted on the 390ci. and they have held up well. Posting couple links where subject has come up, sometimes the threads/information can be helpful, and other times when the comments, etc. need to be sorted out. If unable to find locally, suggest try Summit Performance, or Jegs. There is a whole host of additional threads on the topic, if interested, go to the top of this page and under 'Forum' open the menu and scroll down and open the search window. Under 'keyword' enter 'header gaskets', or something simular, then narrow search to the 'FE and FT big block V8' to engine catagory that applies, then enter.
Again, Welcome to FTE.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...r-gaskets.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...r-gaskets.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-headders.html
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
You will find that if FELPRO won't seal, nothing will (just my input).
I helped a buddy a couple of months ago stroke his FE 360 with 390 crank and rods. He, due too budget, could not aford better headers(his old headmans were in fairly poor condition).
Long story short, if you know someone who can weld, have the welds on the flanges beefed up(on the gasket side).
I did this for Kory and it's the first time in that set of headers life that they ever sealed on the FE rectangular port .
It took me about 20mins per header, then with FELPRO gaskets and high temp copper silly cone.............a perfect seal
I helped a buddy a couple of months ago stroke his FE 360 with 390 crank and rods. He, due too budget, could not aford better headers(his old headmans were in fairly poor condition).
Long story short, if you know someone who can weld, have the welds on the flanges beefed up(on the gasket side).
I did this for Kory and it's the first time in that set of headers life that they ever sealed on the FE rectangular port .
It took me about 20mins per header, then with FELPRO gaskets and high temp copper silly cone.............a perfect seal
