Author Topic: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?  (Read 2313 times)

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Offline ~JM~

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Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« on: September 01 2021, 08:07:38 PM »
Thoughts on the use of a gasket between exhaust header flange & the head?

No gasket?

Copper gasket?

High-temp RTV?

Offline Steve Wood

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #1 on: September 01 2021, 11:27:14 PM »
For years, I only used a thin smear of hi temp on both sides of the gasket.  These days, I suspect most manifolds have at least a little warp to them.  I would probably suggest the felpro gaskets with a thin smear on both sides of them and let them sit over night before starting.
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Offline nocooler

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #2 on: September 02 2021, 02:01:39 AM »
Felpro 1400 gaskets, dry. 
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Offline gnonyx

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #3 on: September 02 2021, 08:52:25 AM »
After removing both headers for weld job, machine shop resurfaced with a sand belt both headers from being a little warp, and twice of replacing the Remflex, and copper gaskets, I decided to used Ultra Copper gasket maker from Permatex. Using no gasket is originally from the factory, just use Permatex stuff. I apply about 1/8" layer let is cure a little bit as direction, and then assemble and torque, and don't start until the next day.
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Offline Forzfed

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #4 on: September 04 2021, 02:41:29 PM »
I have had good luck with the Remflex.  But no gasket would be the best way to go.  I never even needed sealant till the manifolds started to break in places and I had to weld them up.

Offline Just a Six?

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #5 on: September 05 2021, 02:45:34 PM »
When I put mine together a few months back I used my big file to go over the headers & the heads to hit any high spots (they weren't too bad) put them on without any sealant & so far they sound good although I'm not beating on the car & only have maybe 400 miles on it. Before winter I'll pop them off & see how they look & maybe get some gaskets or some sealer if needed.
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Offline ~JM~

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #6 on: September 05 2021, 08:21:26 PM »
When I put mine together a few months back I used my big file to go over the headers & the heads to hit any high spots (they weren't too bad) put them on without any sealant & so far they sound good although I'm not beating on the car & only have maybe 400 miles on it. Before winter I'll pop them off & see how they look & maybe get some gaskets or some sealer if needed.

I've done about the same with a large file. Think I will apply a bead of Ultra Copper RTV.

Offline Steve Wood

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #7 on: September 05 2021, 11:52:09 PM »
use it as a glue, not a thick bead for a gasket.  If it is thick, it will get pushed out
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Offline ~JM~

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Re: Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« Reply #8 on: September 06 2021, 12:04:17 AM »
use it as a glue, not a thick bead for a gasket.  If it is thick, it will get pushed out

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