New Hedman Headers - Leaking - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

PA-IndianRider · 09-27-2009, 06:34 AM

Finally got the engine & tranny (5 speed) in my '80 EL C ..... this week installed a brand new set of HEDMAN HEADERS (yes they fit) and a "X-Pipe" 2 1/2 exhaust system.

Now that the car is quiet enough to hear what is going on I can hear/see there is a leak between the left side header & head.

For the install new gaskets were used along with new headers bolts and all bolts torqued down.

Has anyone else had trouble with HEDMAN HEADERS like this???? Any suggestions for a "fix" or will I have to replace the header???

ripdog28 · 09-27-2009, 07:33 AM

Remove the header, use a level/flat surface and ensure the mounting flange is straight. It not, pound it flat or weld to build it up. or just use more gasket in that area.

jamis · 09-27-2009, 09:09 AM

Try it again with a new gasket and if that dont work
return the headers, they are brand new and I'm sure you spent enough on them not to have to fiddle with it.

Alex1 · 09-27-2009, 09:17 AM

You can toss the gaskets and use the high temp rtv sealer.

Marv D · 09-27-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1

You can toss the gaskets and use the high temp rtv sealer.

It really does work. I haven't used a header gasket on the Nova in years,, just the orange Permetex hitemp. BUT, those are Lemons headers with a nice thick flat flange and Stal bolt pattern, track only car. I've never tired it on a set of street headers. How does it hold up on the street and or a daily driver Alex?

PA-IndianRider · 09-27-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marv D

It really does work. I haven't used a header gasket on the Nova in years, just the orange Permetex hitemp ...... BUT........track only car........ I've never tired it on a set of street headers. How does it hold up on the street and or a daily driver Alex?

I have thought about trying the "Orange Permetex Hi-Temp" but also wonder how it holds up for "daily use".

So I "assume" the Permetex would be used "without" the gasket???

fiddy9apache · 09-27-2009, 02:39 PM

are you using the header gaskets that came with the headers? if so i would change them out to a thicker set of percys or felpros.

RatPwrd72 · 09-27-2009, 08:53 PM

I have the same problem with a set of Hedman's on my 454 in the '72. These are their $89 street headers and I have to run 2 gaskets on each side to make it seal. The tube of the primary tube sticks out past the flange a bit and causes them to leak like a *****..........

Wild83C10 · 09-27-2009, 09:12 PM

Did the headers leak right away or after a couple of heat cycles? THe gasket will set and the bolts will loosen up. If there was a couple of heat cycles on the motor you may want to check the bolts again. Typically takes 2 or 3 re-torques to get them to stay tight.

PA-IndianRider · 09-27-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild83C10

Did the headers leak right away or after a couple of heat cycles? THe gasket will set and the bolts will loosen up. If there was a couple of heat cycles on the motor you may want to check the bolts again. Typically takes 2 or 3 re-torques to get them to stay tight.

Not sure.... ran it a few times with "open headers" ..... could hear it until the exhaust system was on.

Will work on it tomorrow....

Alex1 · 09-28-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marv D

It really does work. I haven't used a header gasket on the Nova in years,, just the orange Permetex hitemp. BUT, those are Lemons headers with a nice thick flat flange and Stal bolt pattern, track only car. I've never tired it on a set of street headers. How does it hold up on the street and or a daily driver Alex?

I ran it that way for 2 years on my Turbo Mustang - no issues. My truck still has gaskets because thats the way I bought it and they're not leaking. When they do, RTV sealer is going on.

Wild83C10 · 09-28-2009, 08:29 PM

I have had three sets of hedman headers on my truck and never had an issue. They were the cheaper ones to.

djracer · 09-28-2009, 09:52 PM

If all else fails cut the flanges on either side of the two center primarys. I have seen this done on small blocks. I assume it lets them flex a little.

cableguy0 · 09-28-2009, 11:45 PM

as stated earlier the crap paper gaskets that come with headers will leak. get a set of fel pro header gaskets and you wont have any more issues

Wild83C10 · 09-29-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy0

as stated earlier the crap paper gaskets that come with headers will leak. get a set of fel pro header gaskets and you wont have any more issues

I am running hedman street headers with the crap paper gaskets and no leaks, had them on there for 1.5 years.
I also retorqued them after a few heat cylces and I have a good flat head surface that they bolt to.

09-27-2009, 06:34 AM	#1
PA-IndianRider Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 294	New Hedman Headers - Leaking Finally got the engine & tranny (5 speed) in my '80 EL C ..... this week installed a brand new set of HEDMAN HEADERS (yes they fit) and a "X-Pipe" 2 1/2 exhaust system. Now that the car is quiet enough to hear what is going on I can hear/see there is a leak between the left side header & head. For the install new gaskets were used along with new headers bolts and all bolts torqued down. Has anyone else had trouble with HEDMAN HEADERS like this???? Any suggestions for a "fix" or will I have to replace the header??? Attached Images __________________ John aka "Milner" PA-IndianRider - Pittsburgh, PA 70 Chevy C10 Stepside "Gasser/Altered Drag Race Hot Rod" *Where were You in '62 ?* Last edited by PA-IndianRider; 09-27-2009 at 06:37 AM.

09-27-2009, 07:33 AM	#2
ripdog28 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Imperial Beach, CA Posts: 1,040	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking Remove the header, use a level/flat surface and ensure the mounting flange is straight. It not, pound it flat or weld to build it up. or just use more gasket in that area. __________________ 69 c-10 BBC 462ci, forged crank, H-beam rods, 10.5-1 KB forged pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 308cc, Straub Cam, Comp Cams chrome moly full rollers, Weiand Team G, Prosystems 950, TH400/3500 Dalenzie stall, Currie 9+ Detroit Locker w/31spline axles.3.5/6in drop. My Build.

09-27-2009, 09:09 AM	#3
jamis F.A.S.T. president Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 1,883	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking Try it again with a new gasket and if that dont work return the headers, they are brand new and I'm sure you spent enough on them not to have to fiddle with it. __________________ F.A.S.T. President and Founder Fabricators for the Advancement of Sawsall Technology "A fear of the Sawsall is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." ~Sigmund Freud, "General Introduction to Psychoanalysis"

09-27-2009, 09:17 AM	#4
Alex1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ottawa Ontario Canada Posts: 1,156	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking You can toss the gaskets and use the high temp rtv sealer. Last edited by Alex1; 09-27-2009 at 09:18 AM.

09-27-2009, 02:39 PM	#7
fiddy9apache Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: ftw tex Posts: 682	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking are you using the header gaskets that came with the headers? if so i would change them out to a thicker set of percys or felpros.

09-27-2009, 08:53 PM	#8
RatPwrd72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maysville, OK Posts: 227	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking I have the same problem with a set of Hedman's on my 454 in the '72. These are their $89 street headers and I have to run 2 gaskets on each side to make it seal. The tube of the primary tube sticks out past the flange a bit and causes them to leak like a *****.......... __________________ 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super- Pump gas 496,TH-400, TCI Stall, 3.73's,Ochre & White two-tone w/Olive Interior 1967 Chevy Short Step Drag Truck-Iron Headed 468 Making Memories My momma took me off the bottle years ago.....

09-27-2009, 09:12 PM	#9
Wild83C10 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 910	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking Did the headers leak right away or after a couple of heat cycles? THe gasket will set and the bolts will loosen up. If there was a couple of heat cycles on the motor you may want to check the bolts again. Typically takes 2 or 3 re-torques to get them to stay tight. __________________ 83 C10 Stepside (SOLD, it was a blast!) 383 MASS-FLO EFI/TKO II 600/3.90 Posi 10 bolt S475 and C4 DM running, fine tuning turbo= Douchebag Racing: Runs Fine all the Time

09-28-2009, 08:29 PM	#12
Wild83C10 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 910	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking I have had three sets of hedman headers on my truck and never had an issue. They were the cheaper ones to. __________________ 83 C10 Stepside (SOLD, it was a blast!) 383 MASS-FLO EFI/TKO II 600/3.90 Posi 10 bolt S475 and C4 DM running, fine tuning turbo= Douchebag Racing: Runs Fine all the Time

09-28-2009, 09:52 PM	#13
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,892	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking If all else fails cut the flanges on either side of the two center primarys. I have seen this done on small blocks. I assume it lets them flex a little. __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

09-28-2009, 11:45 PM	#14
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: New Hedman Headers - Leaking as stated earlier the crap paper gaskets that come with headers will leak. get a set of fel pro header gaskets and you wont have any more issues __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

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