Header gasket leak question?

NVERL8

Member

Mar 31, 2005

72

3

9

Cincinnati

Feb 19, 2012

#1

• Feb 19, 2012

• #1

So I have a leak on my driver side header gasket (mac unequal length headers). At least its the drivers side. Can this be done without loosening the headers from the H-pipe? When i put everything on the car I had everything off, but I am wondering if I just remove all of the bolts from the header will there be enough play to get the old gasket out and put a new one in?

Any thoughts?

 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

15 Year Member

Nov 11, 2003

6,945

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Northern KY

Feb 19, 2012

#2

• Feb 19, 2012

• #2

You'll want to at least loosen that side of the H pipe or the header will be stiff and won't wanna come out from the head. While you're doing it, do yourself a favor and either get some ARP 12 point header bolts or go to the hardware store and buy some allen head bolts, and use locking washers. Either one will save you from having to deal with this crap again in the future. Remember to retorque them after a couple heat cycles.

 

Flavadave4

Active Member

Nov 28, 2003

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21

49

Utica, NY

Feb 19, 2012

#3

• Feb 19, 2012

• #3

Those MAC headers can be a real pain...I messed with my old ones a few times then decided to go with a single flange design like the BBK

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

 

srtthis

the guy doing it does every local racers rear end

15 Year Member

Jul 3, 2009

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Maryland

Feb 20, 2012

#4

• Feb 20, 2012

• #4

i used dead soft aluminum gaskets on mine and even THEY leaked. i think im going to say screw it and use RTV this time

 

NVERL8

Member

Mar 31, 2005

72

3

9

Cincinnati

Feb 20, 2012

#5

• Feb 20, 2012

• #5

Thanks for the tips guys. My existing gaskets have been on the car for about 10 years or more and a lot of miles so they held up for quite some time. I was just really hoping I didnt have to loosen the header from the H-pipe, I worked on a car once before that once I loosened the connection I never could get it sealed exactly right again. Oh well, first warm weekend I guess I know what Im doing............

 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?

15 Year Member

Dec 19, 2010

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Feb 20, 2012

#6

• Feb 20, 2012

• #6

NVERL8 said:

Thanks for the tips guys. My existing gaskets have been on the car for about 10 years or more and a lot of miles so they held up for quite some time. I was just really hoping I didnt have to loosen the header from the H-pipe, I worked on a car once before that once I loosened the connection I never could get it sealed exactly right again. Oh well, first warm weekend I guess I know what Im doing............

Click to expand...

Put an impact on that baby and alternate back and forth when tightening and it will seal.

EDIT: on the header to H pipe joint, of course.