Header Gasket Leak

2002BlueWS6 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 04:21 PM

I blew out the right bank last month and had a new gasket put in. Today I found another leak on the left side. Its not nearly as bad. Should I just be able to tighten it down or do I need to replace the gasket? Is it common to blow headers gaskets with Kooks longtubes?

**heavymetals** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 04:28 PM

It isn't normal to blow a header gasket, but it is a common thing that happens (and not just with V's).

Use a great gasket (like PERCY'S) and replace your stock header bolts.

ARP makes nice stuff, but there are others.

Torgue is 18 ft lbs (in case you need to know).

atdeneve · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 04:31 PM

What bolts are you guys using?

2002BlueWS6 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atdeneve

What bolts are you guys using?

I assume they are the ones that came with the Kooks headers. Their finish matches the headers. I bought the car with the headers already installed.

"Use a percy gasket"

I was also under the impression that kooks headers came with percy gaskets. I put a percy on the right and have one for the left. But if its a small leak can't I just torque it down? Or must I replace the gasket as well? (its very small, you can barely hear it)

**heavymetals** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 04:42 PM

I use the ARP stainless studs with a 12 point nut.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0002_744890_-1

2002BlueWS6 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavymetals

I use the ARP stainless studs with a 12 point nut.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0002_744890_-1

Those are the very ones on the car. So can I tighten down or do I have to replace the gasket? (small leak)

**heavymetals** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 05:20 PM

Tighten down to 18 ft lbs.

If that doesn't correct it, you have to replace the gasket.

I highly recommend that you not "scrimp" on this part unless you like taking things apart.

Luna. · #8 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002BlueWS6

I blew out the right bank last month and had a new gasket put in. Today I found another leak on the left side. Its not nearly as bad. Should I just be able to tighten it down or do I need to replace the gasket? Is it common to blow headers gaskets with Kooks longtubes?

I've never been able to not eventually blow header gaskets, hence, one of the few reasons I haven't put headers on my V. I think Heavy has it down to a science and probably will go a long time before he blows his, but my experience has been that the stock manifold gaskets seldom seem to fail nearly as much as header gaskets do.

urbanski · #9 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 05:29 PM

Percy's Seal4Good dead-soft aluminum exhaust manifold/header gaskets were used, part number 66032.
http://stealthv.com/headers.htm

**heavymetals** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 05:46 PM

Only because I have yanked the headers off a few times!

2002BlueWS6 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 05:47 PM

Thanks guys! I just finished torqing them down and the leak is all but gone. What is the saying, headers leak and ball itch right?

I guess I will eventually have to replace this gasket now huh? but cannot until later next week. I have a bit of driving this weekend to do and I hate driving around with a leak.

Im hesitant to give it gas bc I dont want to blow out the gasket completely and create more problems. Driving this car slow is painful.....

Luna. · #12 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002BlueWS6

Thanks guys! I just finished torqing them down and the leak is all but gone. What is the saying, headers leak and ball itch right?

I guess I will eventually have to replace this gasket now huh? but cannot until later next week. I have a bit of driving this weekend to do and I hate driving around with a leak.

Im hesitant to give it gas bc I dont want to blow out the gasket completely and create more problems. Driving this car slow is painful.....

BAH--header leaks aren't going to hurt anything, especially if only for a week or so. I'd go see if you COULD blow it out!

2002BlueWS6 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luna.

BAH--header leaks aren't going to hurt anything, especially if only for a week or so. I'd go see if you COULD blow it out!

Blew out quick last time! My service tech at the CADDy dealer told me if I blow them out and drive around, the cold air will damage the valves, and they will not warranty my car! so I try to be careful.......

Luna. · #14 (**permalink**) 05-25-07, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002BlueWS6

Blew out quick last time! My service tech at the CADDy dealer told me if I blow them out and drive around, the cold air will damage the valves, and they will not warranty my car! so I try to be careful.......

I guess I'm missing something. Perhaps a technician can chime in here, but that seems illogical and, not to mention, in direct contrast to what has specifically happened to me in the past. I've driven for weeks with leaky header gaskets, some woefully blown out, without nary a problem.

rand49er · #15 (**permalink**) 05-26-07, 10:38 AM

I'm not a "technician" though I play one online sometimes.

Seriously, though, if (exhaust) valves are heated up by engine operation and then are exposed to ambient air temps, they could cool down too quickly and warp, so I've heard. I've tested a lot of engines on dynos, and we always had a cool-down procedure which included running the engines at reduced throttle openings and speeds after running at WOT for extended periods while generating fish hooks.

That being said, I would doubt a very slight leak like the one described above would present a problem; it would have to be a pretty serious gap to allow enough ambient air to get in there for rapid cool down of the valve.

Just my $0.02.