Header leak repair...newbie here

[Stoneman]

I am fairly certain I identified a header leak which likely occurred during the tail end of my break in period (ticking/popping sound when I bear down on the throttle). Consensus is a piece the gasket blew prior to sealing and needs to be replaced. There is a small fanned out soot stain on the block next to the header flange.

Any tips on what gasket to use (if they do vary) and tricks to installation?

I also want to note that the seals on the back of the headers where they meet the exhaust pipes is not tight at all. The gaskets are very loose and the bolts are tight.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[ObscureMachine]

Percy's High Performance Aluminum Header Gaskets. You can get them at Summit.

 

[zombie66]

X2 on the aluminum header gaskets. I know the local Knechts and Baxters both had a version, dont know if it's the same brand for around $40. Seemed kind of pricey but maybe that's cheaper than other places.

 

[G's Baja Bronco]

x3 on aluminum, also seen copper ones at Oryleys.

 

[Stoneman]

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna give these a try.

 

[73stallion]

i've reused the percy's gaskets as many as 3 times, but i'm using remflex gaskets now and they seal even better. can't reuse them though.

 

[1970mule]

i've reused the percy's gaskets as many as 3 times, but i'm using remflex gaskets now and they seal even better. can't reuse them though.

hey ben hmmmmmmmmmm. i need to try this one i like the percys but still have a lil tick. good info thx again.

 

[krisbassett]

I have a set of the Copper gaskets from summit racing on my 76 F-150 and I love them!!

 

[Madgyver]

If you get your hands on some asbetos fiber sheets. They are the best that I have used. Remove them whole and to reuse just soak them in water to make it swell up, dry and reinstall.

I got mine from an retired pipefitter and cut them in lenghts to use only as header gaskets. Sealed in a square mayo bucket.

If you can't get these then the summit ones work also.

 

[Stoneman]

If you get your hands on some asbetos fiber sheets. They are the best that I have used. Remove them whole and to reuse just soak them in water to make it swell up, dry and reinstall.

I got mine from an retired pipefitter and cut them in lenghts to use only as header gaskets. Sealed in a square mayo bucket.

If you can't get these then the summit ones work also.

Interesting...I may have some old asbestos sheets in my shop (build signs and have a neon shop). I think I'll try upgrading to an off the shelf gasket, but if I still have that annoying click, I will definitely look for the asbestos.

 

[new to bronco]

Take the header off and find someone with big beltsander some time the header is not flat , laying it on sander will take any high spots out should make gasket seal right.

 

[Heus33]

After you replace the gasket make sure you tighten the header bolts from the inside out to avoid any warping of the header as well.

It takes a few heat/cool cycles - get in there while the engine is still warm and snug em down tight.

You also shouldn't have any leaks at the collectors (you mentioned that the gasket there was loose). Can you feel any air escaping while the engine is idling? If so you might want to look into some dead soft aluminum gaskets for the collectors as well.

 

[Stoneman]

Just purchased the header and collector gaskets. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[ObscureMachine]

It takes a few heat/cool cycles - get in there while the engine is still warm and snug em down tight.

x2. It took mine several cycles of running it and tightening before the bolts stayed snug for good.