Forced Induction Finally Blew Turbo Header Gasket

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Colonel Mustard

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#1

• Aug 17, 2013

• #1

Only took about 300 miles, but blew the drivers side header gasket yesterday. Going to forgo the gasket this time and try the copper rtv trick. Any tips on how to install so that it will last?

 

RacEoHolic330

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#2

• Aug 17, 2013

• #2

What type of gasket were you using?

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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#3

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The POS graphite gasket that came with the kit

 

Grabbin' Asphalt

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#4

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MacGyver would use bubble gum, paper clip and a bar of soap

 

Rick 91GT

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#5

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madspeed said:

Only took about 300 miles, but blew the drivers side header gasket yesterday. Going to forgo the gasket this time and try the copper rtv trick. Any tips on how to install so that it will last?

Click to expand...

I rough up of the head and the header flange a little bit with an emery cloth to give the RTV something to bite into. I let it dry at least 24 hours before use.

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f8tlfiveo

My wife likes my spool and blow-off valve.

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Aug 18, 2013

#6

• Aug 18, 2013

• #6

Rick 91GT said:

I rough up of the head and the header flange a little bit with an emery cloth to give the RTV something to bite into. I let it dry at least 24 hours before use.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Click to expand...

And this actually works? What product are you using?

 

Rick 91GT

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#7

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f8tlfiveo said:

And this actually works? What product are you using?

Click to expand...

Yeah I barely ever use a header gasket on a high boost or high compression car. Use Permatex Copper.

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Reactions: f8tlfiveo

Grabbin' Asphalt

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#8

• Aug 18, 2013

• #8

Rick 91GT said:

Yeah I barely ever use a header gasket on a high boost or high compression car. Use Permatex Copper.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Click to expand...

Secret Sauce

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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#9

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thanks Rick! Do you let the Permatex skin over first then apply and fully tighten?

 

Rick 91GT

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#10

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I put a little on the header and flange sit for about 5 mins max....kinda depends how hard the manifold is to get on...lol

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84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

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Aug 19, 2013

#11

• Aug 19, 2013

• #11

Rick 91GT said:

I put a little on the header and flange sit for about 5 mins max....kinda depends how hard the manifold is to get on...lol

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Click to expand...

Exactly the same here, Copper RTV and done. I have used the new Proform header bolts and they have been sweet!

 

MY 85 GT

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Aug 19, 2013

#12

• Aug 19, 2013

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That's how my Headers were don't RTV there on over a yr 14 psi..seems fine no leaks.i do have a small leak by the downpipe..i contribute that to the bad band clamps which I want to replace with RPS clamps...

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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#13

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thanks guys, i'll get to it one of these days!

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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#14

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84Ttop said:

Exactly the same here, Copper RTV and done. I have used the new Proform header bolts and they have been sweet!

Click to expand...

Are those the new wedge lock bolts? Happen to have the correct part number for these for Edelbrock heads on a sbf?

 

84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

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#15

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For the aluminum heads they recommend the 1" long bolts, that is what I run in mine. I don't see a part number for the 1" long in a pack of 16 (damn chevy guys get catered to I swear...) I'll call Booth over at Proform today and see if they have a part number for us ford guys. I know they didn't when they first gave them to me to try but hopefully they stepped up the ford love

 

Rick 91GT

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#16

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Problem is most aftermarket alum heads will not accept a 1" long (stock length) bolt and require the 3/4" length...

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84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?

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#17

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If that's the case then try this link http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66752?seid=srese1&gclid=CN2djaSPjLkCFYui4AodfDYAKQ

I've used the 1" ones in my TFS R heads and the 7721 Edelbrocks with Kooks headers and had no trouble but am unsure about other heads. I would take @Rick 91GT 's advice and go with the 3/4" bolts. Either way, they are really great header bolts!

 

9

95PGTTech

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#18

• Aug 20, 2013

• #18

Switch to studs.

As mentioned before, I rough up both surfaces. I put a small coat on both the head and manifold, then tighten just hand tight until it begins to squish out the sides. I wait a half hour or so until it's no longer tacky to the touch and then torque to spec.

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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#19

• Aug 20, 2013

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thanks guys! I'll be ordering some new bolts shortly

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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#20

• Aug 20, 2013

• #20

ordered some of those Proform bolts. They say torque to 28lbs, is this correct for aluminum heads?