replacing header gaskets

SaleenGT2001

Well-Known Member

Jul 18, 2005

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Four Oaks NC

May 12, 2008

#1

• May 12, 2008

• #1

my header on the drivers side is leaking and i need to know the easiest way to fix it. i reused the factory gaskets at the recomendation of my shop. i just ordered a set of Percys dead soft aluminum gaskets to replace the leaking stockers.

i was thinking about dropping the K member and leaving the engine in the car. would this give me enough room to get to all the bolts? i'm gonna replace both sides while i'm under the car.

 

B

BobHyatt

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Aug 7, 2007

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May 12, 2008

#2

• May 12, 2008

• #2

I would think you could get plenty of clearance by doing the following:

1. Disconnect the header collectors from whatever mid-pipe you are using.

2. Use a floor jack with a piece of wood on top under the oil pan to support the motor.

3. remove the motor mount bolts that attach to the block.

4. raise the motor a couple of inches.

You should be able to get to the bolts without problems, although you might have to remove a stud here or there depending on clearance if just the nut comes off...

I've done it this way a couple of times with no problems, but I suppose different headers could produce different problems..

 

SaleenGT2001

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Jul 18, 2005

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May 12, 2008

#3

• May 12, 2008

• #3

i have Bassani headers.

 

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mineralgraygt

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Jan 4, 2006

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nj

May 12, 2008

#4

• May 12, 2008

• #4

just remove the k member it easy. it takes me like 45 mins to drop it.

 

SaleenGT2001

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Jul 18, 2005

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May 12, 2008

#5

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so once the K member is out the bolts are easy to get to?

 

S

SilverBullet00

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Jul 5, 2004

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Wichita, KS

May 12, 2008

#6

• May 12, 2008

• #6

yes they are.. drop the k

 

R

rugster

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Aug 31, 2004

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May 12, 2008

#7

• May 12, 2008

• #7

drop the K and its a straight shot to all the bolts, except for one on the drivers side, which you might have to pull off the motor mount to get to. And if memory serves me right, you can align it for free when you're finished

 

SaleenGT2001

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Jul 18, 2005

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Four Oaks NC

May 13, 2008

#8

• May 13, 2008

• #8

rugster said:

drop the K and its a straight shot to all the bolts, except for one on the drivers side, which you might have to pull off the motor mount to get to. And if memory serves me right, you can align it for free when you're finished

Click to expand...

thats right, free alignments FTW!

anybody know about how long it should take to replace both sides?

 

steveb24

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Nov 28, 2005

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wilmington, DE

May 13, 2008

#9

• May 13, 2008

• #9

that depends on how much u know what your doing.

My advice is b/c your using percys gaskets, keep tightening those header nuts down for a while, the gaskets are soft so they need to be fully crushed, meaning you will need to turn the nuts alot untill they are really on all the way. that was my expirience, and I have no leaks, gaskets work great! good luck

 

R

rugster

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Aug 31, 2004

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May 13, 2008

#10

• May 13, 2008

• #10

it helps if you have 2 sets of tools like I do, I did one side and my buddy did the other....we had the K member off in 45 minutes. (with air tools)

 

SaleenGT2001

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Jul 18, 2005

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May 13, 2008

#11

• May 13, 2008

• #11

i have access to a lift and all the tools i could ever need!

 

B

BobHyatt

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Aug 7, 2007

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May 13, 2008

#12

• May 13, 2008

• #12

SilverBullet00 said:

yes they are.. drop the k

Click to expand...

they are not "simple". The clearance between the inside fenderwell and the bolts, particularly on the passenger side is a bit sticky... by raising the motor that clearance becomes much less a problem...

 

S

Smokeurhonda

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May 1, 2003

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Maryland

May 13, 2008

#13

• May 13, 2008

• #13

steveb24 said:

that depends on how much u know what your doing.

My advice is b/c your using percys gaskets, keep tightening those header nuts down for a while, the gaskets are soft so they need to be fully crushed, meaning you will need to turn the nuts alot untill they are really on all the way. that was my expirience, and I have no leaks, gaskets work great! good luck

Click to expand...

I can't get my headers to seal, and I'm thinking about the percy's. When you say keep tightening, do you mean do the initial install then retighten a week later? Or just crank the hell out of them the first time and leave them alone?

 

R

rugster

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Aug 31, 2004

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May 14, 2008

#14

• May 14, 2008

• #14

make sure to use a lot of RTV (high temp), I dont know if you want to "crank like hell"....those bolts are going into aluminum heads

 

SaleenGT2001

Well-Known Member

Jul 18, 2005

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Four Oaks NC

May 14, 2008

#15

• May 14, 2008

• #15

got the gaskets today.

are there suppose to be 4 gaskets in the pack???? 2 per header?

 

myponyrocks

I have more billet on the Stang than most women ha

Apr 18, 2004

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May 14, 2008

#16

• May 14, 2008

• #16

should be 2 separate 2 hole gaskets per side.

 

SaleenGT2001

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Jul 18, 2005

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Four Oaks NC

May 14, 2008

#17

• May 14, 2008

• #17

i have FOUR 4 hole gaskets. maybe they double packed it??

 

LaserSVT

Got FB banned again for saying nards

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Nov 29, 1999

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May 14, 2008

#18

• May 14, 2008

• #18

I helped a friend do this in his 00 GT and all we did was drop the K member. Dont know how to do it without

 

SaleenGT2001

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Jul 18, 2005

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Four Oaks NC

May 15, 2008

#19

• May 15, 2008

• #19

the gaskets are 2 layers pressed together. i finally pulled them out and took a look.

i'm a dumbass!