I'm getting ready to re-install my headers. I had an old set of unopened gaskets (TA, I think) I was going to use. There's extensive negative discussion in other threads about these white gaskets, so I was thinking about other options. I found a set of what I *think* are manifold gaskets that came in a complete engine gasket set I bought 10 or 15 years ago. One side is a graphite or gray colored paper looking composite, and the other side is a silver metal with small dimples. The pic is attached, showing both sides. Would using these be a no-no with headers?
If those are the Fel-Pro gaskets, I copied/pasted the following information is from their web page: "If you examine one of these gaskets, you'll see that one side is a fiber material and the other is steel. Just remember to install the steel side toward the manifold and the fiber side toward the engine block. This allows the exhaust manifold to slide along the steel surface during expansion and contraction without damaging the gasket." I don't know if their method applies to headers, but I followed their recommendation with stock manifolds and so far, so good, and it's been over a year. You may have to re-torque the bolts a couple of times after firing it up. Larry
i am always checking my blots, as long as they are not allowed to get loose and cause movement of the geasket, they will last for a long time, after about 1500 miles i havent noticed them getting loose eneymore
I'm with Kelly on the use of stock (Fel-Pro) gaskets with headers. I used to use Mr. Gasket white gaskets, but washing off the engine in my roadster sorta melted the exposed paper. I've used in the past - on a Rocket 88 motor - stock steel embossed shim stock type gaskets on the home-built headers in my 50 Ford coupe. They worked well and didn't leak. Do yourself a favor and get a set of ARP's stainless header bolts. Good bolts and stronger than grade eights. The local speed shop recommends using red high-temp RTV sealant on the header bolt threads during installation. I've found it works very well and have no backing off of the bolts as well as they come out easy when required.
Thanks guys. I'll try that red RTV. My collector to exhaust pipe has that stuff on the bolts and they were easy to get off.
I like the Never-Seize brand of anti-seize, but have no experience with it on header bolts. It should work ok, but I think you'd need the locking style header bolts because the properties of anti-seize are more of a lubricating deal than are the locker compounds or the red RTV. I'm a little leery of using blue Loctite in a high heat situation as well. I'm guessing it wouldn't work well. Red Loctite I wouldn't use cuz it's sorta forever most times. Although it will release with some heat applied.
Hummmm I have used blue loc-tite on them before, never retightened and they never got loose. Removed one set of headers 5 years later, bolts came right out.o No: I think the red RTV idea may just be they way I do it this time though...o No: Retightenning is definetely NOT in my future. If I try the red and develop a leak, I'll switch back to blue loc-tite.:Smarty:
