460 header question
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460 header question
I have new headers on my 96 F350 4x4, so I know the flanges aren't warped, but still keep blowing out header gaskets. The engine is low mileage and never had a leak with the manifolds on. The exhaust tick is very loud and I think that because the exhaust is escaping before the o2 sensor that the truck is getting worse mileage than it should. Does that sound right? I tried using felpro's but those suck too. Does anyone know were I can find a really good sealing exhaust header gasket? Maybe something copper or with an O-ring? <!-- / message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --><!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig -->
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I'm with Old93junk, did you check the flanges for warping before installing them. That is the first thing I do to a new set of headers as soon as they come out of the box. Also, make sure the bolts are tight, with a new set of headers it is a good idea to check if they are tight every few days for the the first couple months they are on the truck. After that, I check mine every time I change the oil.
If they are indeed true, gaskets can indeed burnout, this problem can be esspecially pronounced on big motors like the 460 when they are ran hard. After making a hard pull at night, I have known 460s to get a set of primaries glowing hot. Copper gaskets are indeed the best and should run you about $30-$40 from Summit. Combine Summit Copper gaskets and Stage 8 locking fasteners and your leaking problems should stop.
Exhaust leaks are a common downside of headers. Also, if you have headers that hook up to the EGR, make sure the fittings for the EGR pipe are tight, I have had problems with them leaking after installing headers on my 351.
If they are indeed true, gaskets can indeed burnout, this problem can be esspecially pronounced on big motors like the 460 when they are ran hard. After making a hard pull at night, I have known 460s to get a set of primaries glowing hot. Copper gaskets are indeed the best and should run you about $30-$40 from Summit. Combine Summit Copper gaskets and Stage 8 locking fasteners and your leaking problems should stop.
Exhaust leaks are a common downside of headers. Also, if you have headers that hook up to the EGR, make sure the fittings for the EGR pipe are tight, I have had problems with them leaking after installing headers on my 351.
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From: Longview Tx
What brand headers are they? Every time i get new headers i all ways check the flanges with a file by filing the seal area. i have yet to see a set to my liking they are never square. On the headers i just put on my truck they kept leaking to. I found that a 90 model with a 460 these stock manifold gaskets are perfect header gaskets. I double stacked the gaskets and have not had a problem yet. You just have to keep tighting the bolts after the first couple of warm ups.
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My stock exhaust manifolds leaked a little to begin with but the heads checked out O.K. I bought a set of hedman headers and installed them with felpro gaskets and after 2 normal runs up and down my road, the gaskets blew out!!! I bought another set of felpro's that look kinda like metal screen, installed them and used Stage 8 Locking Fasteners. After 1 easy trip to the store and back, the exhaust was leaking at the headers again and annoying me with that stupid ticking sound. I could see where it was leaking because of the soot on the head but the header bolts were still torqued to spec. I haven't taken it off yet until I have the gaskets I need to put it back quickly because I can't be down for more than a day or two. Can I take a vote here on the gaskets to buy? Vote for copper gaskets or for doubling up stock gaskets. Also where I should buy these. Part No. would help...lol
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I was having a similar problem with my '97 f350 460 and the hedman headers. I found out about this company called "Remflex" they had the gaskets I needed and they have a lifetime warranty. I put them on and after 10000 miles or so still no problems.
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Thank you very much for your help. Those Remflex Gaskets seem to be the ticket.
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D-shaped ports right?
I don't remember the shape of the exhaust ports from when I did the headers. The Remflex gaskets show two kinds of port types for my year, the rectangular and the D-shaped. The gaskets I need for a 1996 460 are D-shaped aren't they?
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I installed my remflex gaskets the other day and just my luck, the noise is louder than before!! I don't know why putting quality thicker gaskets on there over the thin stock-style ones would make it tick louder but unfortunetly it did. Know what do I do?