Header gaskets...

[superdave1]

Anything better than the stock replacement gaskets? I have a leak and all the bolts are tight and I still have a leak!

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

Anything better than the stock replacement gaskets? I have a leak and all the bolts are tight and I still have a leak!

what brand headers to you have? some headers have their own gaskets, though in most cases you should still be able to you the manifold gaskets

 

[superdave1]

Hedman...

Had them on for a few years, first time I've had a problem.

 

[Yellowsplash]

The factory didnt use gaskets....Are you saying that your using gaskets for the stock manifold, or the gaskets that came with the headers?

 

[superdave1]

Headers and factory gaskets

 

[Yellowsplash]

Are you sure that the leak is at the head flange, or is it at the collector? Usually there is black silt around the leak making it look obvious....

If at the head, ensure that the header head flange isnt warped. If so, have it resurfaced. Also, are your bolts/threads in good shape? When I installed my headers, I used a tap to clean up the threads in the heads before installing the new stainless hardware that came with it. This will ensure they get torqued down correctly to spec. You can always layer a couple gaskets to help seal it up, but you have to do this route, you definitely have a warpage problem.

btw, did your headers come with gaskets when you bought them? If so, you can always buy the replacement gaskets straight from hedman. I doubt there is a noticable difference in the design that would cause the leak, but its always an option.

 

[bottledgt]

the best gasket is no gasket...and silicone

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

Headers and factory gaskets

If you don't think the header flange isn’t warped, I would say the cheapest and probably best bet would be to go with a set of Fel-Pro manifold gaskets.