Questions on header gasket

[Car #4]

I had a header leak on a 440. I pulled it off and I just want clarification on a couple things. It looks to me like the PO put orange sealant between the gasket and the motor. Correct? Is that sealant red RTV? It was also on the header bolts, I’m sure so that they didn’t leak coolant.

 

[radical rob]

There is a copper colored spray adhesive used on gaskets. Clean it up and use a metal gasket. I think it is only on the 383 that some of the header bolts go into the water jacket and need sealed

 

[RemCharger]

Looks like permatex ultra copper. Good stuff. Only need to use sparingly. No need for the Milwaukee caulking gun.
Bolts go into water, use pipe thread sealant.

 

[Darter6]

IF you need to buy new, check out Remflex Gaskets. Should seal your problem, no sealer needed.
Summit or Jegs have them.
All I use. My 2 cents.

 

[493 Mike]

Any "blind" or not hole can be probed to determine if it goes into the water jacket.
Mike

 

[Car #4]

Any "blind" or not hole can be probed to determine if it goes into the water jacket.
Mike

The header bolts do go into the water jacket. All six of them.

 

[pnora]

You need to correct the face of the flange. If its warped no gasket will last.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I had a header leak on a 440. I pulled it off and I just want clarification on a couple things. It looks to me like the PO put orange sealant between the gasket and the motor. Correct? Is that sealant red RTV? It was also on the header bolts, I’m sure so that they didn’t leak coolant.

View attachment 1815546

View attachment 1815547

Yes, that is RTV & it shouldn’t be there. I’ve used it on header bolts/studs, but pipe thread sealant is better. It should not be in either side of a header gasket (gasket only)

 

[gkent]

IF you need to buy new, check out Remflex Gaskets. Should seal your problem, no sealer needed.
Summit or Jegs have them.
All I use. My 2 cents.

I agree !!

You need to correct the face of the flange. If its warped no gasket will last.

Remflex will - no problem !!

 

[dvw]

Yes, that is RTV & it shouldn’t be there. I’ve used it on header bolts/studs, but pipe thread sealant is better. It should not be in either side of a header gasket (gasket only)

You would be surprised how many use RTV alone on headers. It actually works pretty well if the flange is flat. Plenty of racers use it. From experience it doesn't really matter what brand or type either. I've use Ultra Grey and copper gaskets with good success.
Doug

 

[69conv]

Nother vote for remflex. Use it dry.

 

[33 IMP]

The header bolts do go into the water jacket. All six of them.

....maybe. depends on which head. On my max heads only the end two on each head are wet.

 

[Car #4]

There is a copper colored spray adhesive used on gaskets. Clean it up and use a metal gasket. I think it is only on the 383 that some of the header bolts go into the water jacket and need sealed

You need to correct the face of the flange. If its warped no gasket will last.

Yes, I’ll file the face of the header to remove the high spot(s).

 

[Car #4]

Thanks for the recommendations on the Remflex gaskets.

 

[Billccm]

Remflex.

 

[GTXDAN]

Remflex

 

[Car #4]

IF you need to buy new, check out Remflex Gaskets. Should seal your problem, no sealer needed.
Summit or Jegs have them.
All I use. My 2 cents.

Surprising, here in Canada, they're also available through Walmart! Order placed.

 

[gkent]

Surprising, here in Canada, they're also available through Walmart! Order placed.

Yeah ! Let us know how that works out for ya ! In case you haven't noticed, "everything" is "available" through Walmart - actually receiving it is another story !!

You should have just ordered them through Amazon.ca.

Pay particular attention to who they're "sold and shipped by" !! Case in point ...
12V 100A Continuous Duty Relay, 4 Pin High Current Relay Split Relay Switch Normal Open Start Relay Heavy Duty Car Starter Relay for Control Battery ON OFF - Walmart.ca

 

[Billccm]

Remflex cannot be bent. Make certain it arrives undamaged.

 

[Car #4]

Yeah ! Let us know how that works out for ya ! In case you haven't noticed, "everything" is "available" through Walmart - actually receiving it is another story !!

You should have just ordered them through Amazon.ca.

Pay particular attention to who they're "sold and shipped by" !! Case in point ...
12V 100A Continuous Duty Relay, 4 Pin High Current Relay Split Relay Switch Normal Open Start Relay Heavy Duty Car Starter Relay for Control Battery ON OFF - Walmart.ca

It’s sold and shipped from an auto parts store in Toronto.