Header gaskets (what have you had luck with)

[747mopar]

I was wondering if any of you have had experience with the copper gaskets or if you know of a really reliable header gasket. It looks as if my header flange is slightly cocked putting more pressure on the bottom of the gasket and letting it develop a leak on the top. I really hate to pull them (pain in the ***) so I was hoping to find a thicker more pliable gasket to seal it once an for all, I was curious about the copper ones because they have the sealing lip that might form to the head and seal it. Any sealants that work on headers?

 

[ga66mopar]

If you running a 383 or 440 these are good header gaskets. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1414/overview/make/chrysler

I'm running 452 heads on my 440. There was a casting above the center exhaust ports that had to be grind down for the headers to fit flush.

 

[razreddobie]

I put those Fel-Pros on my engine. They work great. Bruce

 

[67 coronet]

an old racers trick for bad flanges was to get the thick white paper gasket.soak them in watter for about 10 minutes and bolt them up snug.allow to dry overnight and tighten up.instant custom gasket.

 

[747mopar]

I've already used the Fel pros. The idea with soaking the paper ones in water sounds good, I do that with engine gaskets only soaking them in oil (works great). After talking to Summit today I think I know my next move, he said that he had a side note saying to cut the bolt flange in between the three clamping points allowing each flange to find it's home (makes perfect sense) but will be getting new gaskets as well. Thanks guys

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

I've used Percy's many times, personally always been happy.

 

[Moparsmitty]

I've been using Remflex graphite header gaskets for a few years now and the work great. They are pretty forgiving of header flanges that might not be perfectly straight. My local NAPA store has them but I hear that not all NAPA stores carry them. You can also order them online.

 

[747mopar]

I've used Percy's many times, personally always been happy.

I was looking at those "Which ones?" I see they make a few different ones. I guess right now I'm trying to decide between copper, super soft aluminum, paper or graphite.

 

[kiwigtx]

I used the gaskets supplied by TTI with my headers...and they are the best gaskets I have ever used....put them on dry as well.

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

Oh, sorry, the soft aluminum...

 

[67 B-body]

I've been wanting to try the Copper Gaskets for a LONG time now.... If you go with them, keep us informed on how they work out......

 

[flyingfarley]

I have used the REMFLEX gaskets on a few hard to seal mopars...they have worked fantastic...i believe they are guaranteed to seal

 

[ZR9B]

I was thinking sawzall on mine!!! Perceys didn't do well on mine...I'm running 1 7/8 hooker and heads are ported ..I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the seal...I'm going to try the paper trick.

 

[747mopar]

I was thinking sawzall on mine!!! Perceys didn't do well on mine...I'm running 1 7/8 hooker and heads are ported ..I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the seal...I'm going to try the paper trick.

I'm running the same headers, when I cut the bolt flanges (right threw the hole in the flange on both sides) the port that was leaking relaxed in the direction needed to even the gasket surface. I wish you would have chimed in earlier "I bought the Perceys today", since there didn't seam to be a preferred gasket among us I just asked the guys at Summit which ones seam to be favored and they recommended them hands down. I'm letting the RTV cure overnight on the bolt threads and will fire it tomorrow "if it leaks again I'm pulling the headers to even up the sealing surface. I know it's not the right thing to do but for now on I'm looking at ease of installation as #1 priority "these things suck to work on, bolts under tubes, slotted hole for one, can only use a socket on three per side and have to use an open end wrench on a few". Urrrrrrr

 

[Mr.SpeedFreak]

+1 for Remflex. Can't say personally since my engine isn't even in the car yet, but heard nothing but good reviews from friends that use them, and my buddy at Napa told me there had been a few guys that came in having a hell of a time getting their headers to seal, used the Remflex ones, problem solved.

They actually crush down to 1/2 their original thickness when you tighten them. Supposedly re-useable and like flyingfarley said they're "guaranteed to stop leaks." Mine are hanging on the wall waiting lol

 

[747mopar]

"50% crush" I would have bought those if somebody around hear sold them, I know you can order them but I was hell bent on getting it fixed this weekend. I'm completely over all of these stupid issues, I just want to get back to making progress instead of all the backtracking especially seeing how most of my backtracking has been do to crappy parts. Looking at the Perceys I think they'll do the trick "I hope".

 

[Mr.SpeedFreak]

Haha yeah I know the feeling well! But I hope those Percey's work for ya, if all else fails at least Remflex is something to keep in mind

 

[Propwash]

I've used Percy's many times, personally always been happy.

X2..........Got'em on the bird. I use the Aluminum as well. No leaks. Best of luck to ya.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I have used no gaskets and had no problems. I coat the flanges with the orange hi temp silicone and use brand new crisp split lock washers. But this only works with flat flanges.

I don't like the idea of cutting the flange apart because you will have a higher change of warpage when tightening because you loose the extra support.

 

[tracy]

ok you dont need to buy expensive gaskets. ive done this for years and believe me it works. throw all gaskets away. get some 100% silicone/clear. it has to be 100%. run a good 3/8 bead around the flanges let the silicone kick over. [cure a little] then install , wont leak anymore, i promise