Header Leak questions - search function blows goats

xr8d302

I bought a 27" monitor to compensate for my lack o

Apr 29, 2004

1,113

0

36

Medicine Hat, AB

Sep 23, 2006

#1

• Sep 23, 2006

• #1

So the other day, upon starting my car, I hear this annoying tick that makes my otherwise nice looking car sound horrible. The ticking moves up directly with how far my foot is on the loud pedal...anyway, yeah, i got it checked out, header leak.

We're going to have to change the gaskets, is this going to require all the crap that was required with installing the things, or is there a simpler way.

The reason I ask is because if I have to pull the headers, I'm switching to shorty headers instead of the Mac Equal Lengths I have now...yesterday, it took me 2 hours to change my plugs because of that B*%#tardized last plug on the passenger side....anyone have any tips for getting that monkey out?

 

AznStanger3v

Active Member

Aug 11, 2003

2,026

0

47

Northern VA

Sep 23, 2006

#2

• Sep 23, 2006

• #2

dude, unfortunately, you are going to have to do it the hard way. unless one of the bolts is loose, then you might get off lucky. go recheck all the bolts and start her back up. its always worth a shot. otherwise, go ahead and order your shortys now.

 

Therian

The Highlander

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2002

0

1

0

Waterloo, Ontario

Sep 23, 2006

#3

• Sep 23, 2006

• #3

I HATE dealing with headers

just be lucky you don't want to take out LTs aaron...that's a complete PITA.

on a more productive note, consider using copper gaskets instead of felpro. it can be a little messy putting the copper sealant on, but they seal like a mo-fo once they're on.

I got a set for $25 bucks from a speed shop in Kitchener

 

9

93GTWannabe

Member

May 11, 2006

81

0

7

Norfolk/Houston

Sep 23, 2006

#4

• Sep 23, 2006

• #4

I think i'll install my Longtubes right before i drop the new motor in the car. seems like that is the easiest way to go.

 

GRGT1994

New Member

Sep 22, 2004

1,034

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0

Sep 23, 2006

#5

• Sep 23, 2006

• #5

I've blown header gaskets 2 times. And neither time did I need to pull the headers out. Just take all the bolts out. The mid pipe will hold it roughly in place. Then slide the old gaskets out. Next put the new gasket in place and replace the bolts. Torque em to spec (or better yet get some locking bolts).

Personally, I would lose the equal length headers for the spark plug and general hastle factor. But not necessarily because of needing to replace a gasket.

 

F

fordtech28

Member

May 12, 2006

312

0

17

Riverside Cali.

Sep 23, 2006

#6

• Sep 23, 2006

• #6

buy the copper gaskets I had mine for 3 years with equal length headers no leaks so far why does everybody complain about the equal length headers i change my plugs under a hour.The trick is to get the smallest length spark plug socket you can find and it will be easier to change them out the hardest to take off is the one on the passanger side behind the EGR tube.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

34

129

Sep 23, 2006

#7

• Sep 23, 2006

• #7

I dont have equal length headers (Mac shorties) and for that PITA plug, I put the socket on the plug and used an open end wrench on the plug socket itself (the end of my plug sockets have a hex fitting for wrenches to turn the socket). Otherwise I had 40 extensions and swivels and it was binding.

BTW, are you saying the search function is really good? I think some of you Canadians are into crazy things so I thought blowing goats might be good. J/K you funny rabbit (you crack me up on a daily basis).

 

Therian

The Highlander

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2002

0

1

0

Waterloo, Ontario

Sep 23, 2006

#8

• Sep 23, 2006

• #8

I forgot to add that just as GRGT1994 said, when changing the gaskets I did NOT have to pull the headers...just removed the bolts and there was more than enough play to allow the gaskets to slide right in

 

final5-0

Mustang Master

Apr 6, 2003

6,817

12

79

DFW Texas

Sep 23, 2006

#9

• Sep 23, 2006

• #9

I do as JT said with the plug socket and an open wrench to break it loose.

Then use swivels & extensions to hand spin them out the rest of the way.

When I go in with the new plugs ... a dab of antiseize helps the plugs come out more easily.

You can make the gasket last much longer if you ................

1) Use locking bolts, lock washers, etc
2) Ensure the mid pipe and catback is secured to prevent the exhaust system from moving around thus causing the bolts to back out.

Grady

 

xr8d302

I bought a 27" monitor to compensate for my lack o

Apr 29, 2004

1,113

0

36

Medicine Hat, AB

Sep 23, 2006

#10

• Sep 23, 2006

• #10

Thanks for all the information fella's...I'm sure I'll put it to good use

JT - goats are too aggressive. I prefer sheep in rubber boots so that they can't run away