Header Problems. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

orange72350 · 01-23-2004, 04:02 AM

My damn headers on my 350 keep blowing paper gaskets. is it true that i can use stock 350 manifold gaksets instead? if it is, what way does the metal on the gasket face? any other tricks to fixing these mothers?
thanx guys

*1972C10* · 01-23-2004, 04:06 AM

I never had any luck with stock manifold gaskets They leaked far worse than any header gasket i ever tryed

What i suggest costs 10.99 There Mr Gasket Ultra Seal Round Port Graphite impregnated Gaskets Get the ones that do not have the slots on the front and back bolt i found they blow out right there i soak mine in water before i install them seems to make a difference

I tryed them 60 dollar copper ones and they leaked might have been header issues. but i have always got them to seal with those Mr Gaskets Autozone Sells them For 10.99

**GMCPaul** · 01-23-2004, 04:20 AM

I've had excellant luck using the 3pc stock rams horn exhaust manifold gaskets they generally last a couple of years at least and if I have the 1pc stock style I cut them into 3pcs, I found they hold up longer that way. I however prefer the dead soft aluminum header gaskets.
GMCPaul

Mudder · 01-23-2004, 04:34 AM

I have been using the manifold gaskets for about 15 years now and have never had one leak. I cut the flanges to take care of any warps. Don't never have any trouble with bolts coming loose either. I put the silver side out.

*1972C10* · 01-23-2004, 04:36 AM

I have cut mine to where its three tubes Makes it kinda difficult to line the bolts up without a alingment tool but i think its worth it . Also an air file like they use for body work makes a good surfacing tool to put the headers surface back to sqaure.

Longhorn Man · 01-23-2004, 10:19 AM

Silver side out, doing it for about 7 years, NEVER had one leak.

67dragtruck · 01-23-2004, 10:27 AM

I've used the manifold ones with good luck. If your headers are bigger then use the Felpro blue header gaskets, about $16 a set but better than anything else on the market.

67dragtruck · 01-23-2004, 10:29 AM

One more tip, if you ever have to use the regular paper ones in a pinch just make sure that you retighten the bolts after about 30 minutes driving and again the next day. The bolts will try to loosen with the paper gaskets until they have gotten hot a few times and then they get much better and the bolts start to stay tight.

Tom

outlawchevy · 01-23-2004, 01:41 PM

napa sells a graphit gasket that works really well it cost 25.00 for the set . but last a long time . ive had the same set for over a year now.

Bill72BB · 01-23-2004, 01:43 PM

I'Ve had good luck with these ,pricey but you only have to do it once.

http://www.percyshp.com/sealgas.html

Mudder · 01-23-2004, 02:39 PM

As you all know big blocks and small blocks are totally different stories. Most of the problems I have heard are from the small blocks. If you cut the flanges, you won't have the problem of bolts coming loose!!!!!!!!!!

CliffB · 01-23-2004, 02:55 PM

Quote:

If you cut the flanges

Quote:

I cut the flanges

Of the gasket?? Where the bolts got through?? What exactly does this mean? How does it help?

Quote:

I have cut mine to where its three tubes

Why? How does it help? Does this mean that having the gasket in pieces when fitted prevents it from getting stretched under expansion/contraction? Do you guys hold gaskets on with some silicone dabs if you cut or trim them before installing?

I'm really interested but not getting the reasoning behind this. Can someone help explain the science or thoughts behind stuff you do to prevent manifold gaskets from failing.

I replaced with copper a long time ago and it sounds like I need to tighten them.

Thanks.

Mudder · 01-23-2004, 03:41 PM

The header flanges sometimes warp when the tubes are welded to them. This lets you move the tubes where you want to start the bolts. They align better with the holes. Easier to start the bolts! Using a Sawsall cut on the arrows.

CliffB · 01-23-2004, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the explain Mudder67. I can see how it makes headers easier to bolt on. I have a couple Lisle (I think) screw type tube spreaders that were made to help stretch small block chevy exhaust manifolds around to get bolts to start.

Can anyone help with why header flange cutting helps:
1. Keep the bolts from loosening.
2. Keep the gaskets from failing.

And why would cutting the gasket in three pieces keep it from failing?

Bamm · 01-23-2004, 03:54 PM

Sorta like this.....................Jerry

Mudder · 01-23-2004, 03:59 PM

The manifold gaskets I use come in 3 pieces per side....

01-23-2004, 04:02 AM	#1
orange72350 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cold, Snowy High Level, Alberta Canada Eh Posts: 394	Header Problems. My damn headers on my 350 keep blowing paper gaskets. is it true that i can use stock 350 manifold gaksets instead? if it is, what way does the metal on the gasket face? any other tricks to fixing these mothers? thanx guys __________________ 2003 yamaha raptor. Stock, but it still hauls!!!! 2000 skiddo mxz 700. Camoplast 1.5 inch track, jaws twin pipes, b+b can, custom built and weighted clutch, wiseco piston, high comp heads. its very fast. wow. 72 c-10 longbox. Bright Orange. Brand new 350, rv cam, performer intake, qjet, headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust into hooker areo chamber mufflers. Body work coming soon. "dont let yer mind wander, its to little to go places by itself." "Forget the herse, cause i'll never die"-ACDC Back In Black "If It's To Loud, Yer Just Too Old" "I Love Anything Fast Enough To Do Something Stupid In" "Instant idiot, just add beer!!""

01-23-2004, 04:20 AM	#3
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,722	I've had excellant luck using the 3pc stock rams horn exhaust manifold gaskets they generally last a couple of years at least and if I have the 1pc stock style I cut them into 3pcs, I found they hold up longer that way. I however prefer the dead soft aluminum header gaskets. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

01-23-2004, 10:27 AM	#7
67dragtruck Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bethlehem, GA, USA Posts: 389	gaskets I've used the manifold ones with good luck. If your headers are bigger then use the Felpro blue header gaskets, about $16 a set but better than anything else on the market.

01-23-2004, 10:29 AM	#8
67dragtruck Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bethlehem, GA, USA Posts: 389	gaskets II One more tip, if you ever have to use the regular paper ones in a pinch just make sure that you retighten the bolts after about 30 minutes driving and again the next day. The bolts will try to loosen with the paper gaskets until they have gotten hot a few times and then they get much better and the bolts start to stay tight. Tom

01-23-2004, 01:41 PM	#9
outlawchevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Walker,louisiana Posts: 179	napa sells a graphit gasket that works really well it cost 25.00 for the set . but last a long time . ive had the same set for over a year now. __________________ (If all else fails get a bigger hammer)

01-23-2004, 04:06 AM	#2
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	I never had any luck with stock manifold gaskets They leaked far worse than any header gasket i ever tryed What i suggest costs 10.99 There Mr Gasket Ultra Seal Round Port Graphite impregnated Gaskets Get the ones that do not have the slots on the front and back bolt i found they blow out right there i soak mine in water before i install them seems to make a difference I tryed them 60 dollar copper ones and they leaked might have been header issues. but i have always got them to seal with those Mr Gaskets Autozone Sells them For 10.99

01-23-2004, 04:34 AM	#4
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	I have been using the manifold gaskets for about 15 years now and have never had one leak. I cut the flanges to take care of any warps. Don't never have any trouble with bolts coming loose either. I put the silver side out.

01-23-2004, 04:36 AM	#5
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	I have cut mine to where its three tubes Makes it kinda difficult to line the bolts up without a alingment tool but i think its worth it . Also an air file like they use for body work makes a good surfacing tool to put the headers surface back to sqaure.

01-23-2004, 10:19 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Silver side out, doing it for about 7 years, NEVER had one leak.

01-23-2004, 01:43 PM	#10
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	I'Ve had good luck with these ,pricey but you only have to do it once. http://www.percyshp.com/sealgas.html __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

01-23-2004, 02:39 PM	#11
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	As you all know big blocks and small blocks are totally different stories. Most of the problems I have heard are from the small blocks. If you cut the flanges, you won't have the problem of bolts coming loose!!!!!!!!!!

01-23-2004, 03:41 PM	#13
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Here goes The header flanges sometimes warp when the tubes are welded to them. This lets you move the tubes where you want to start the bolts. They align better with the holes. Easier to start the bolts! Using a Sawsall cut on the arrows.

01-23-2004, 03:52 PM	#14
CliffB Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 83	Thanks for the explain Mudder67. I can see how it makes headers easier to bolt on. I have a couple Lisle (I think) screw type tube spreaders that were made to help stretch small block chevy exhaust manifolds around to get bolts to start. Can anyone help with why header flange cutting helps: 1. Keep the bolts from loosening. 2. Keep the gaskets from failing. And why would cutting the gasket in three pieces keep it from failing? __________________ 72 C20 3/4 Custom Camper 94 Roadmaster Estate Wagon

01-23-2004, 03:54 PM	#15
Bamm Cowboy Fan for Life!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Amelia, Virginia Posts: 2,921	Sorta like this.....................Jerry Attached Images __________________ 1967 ShortBed Fleetside 3/4 Drop 350/700R4 Tilt wheel 18 x 8 Torque Thrust II's Future mods: All new gauges & wood bed My Zip is 23002 I ship UPS, USPS

01-23-2004, 03:59 PM	#16
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	The manifold gaskets I use come in 3 pieces per side....



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