I have had an exhaust leak ever since I put my new headers in. I put in a new 350 at the same time, so I have had to tune it with the leak. I recently put new gaskets in, and the damn things still leak.

Anyway, my question is, how is this leak going to effect my tuning? Should I quit trying to tune it until I get the time to pull my headers again?

Thanks.

 

As far as using the O2 sensor for tuning, no, can not use it with any exhaust leaks. Even a leak a foot or two down the pipe from the sensor.

Just a note, I have had to weld up header exhaust port flanges in order to get it to mate up with a gasket. It is something that one hates to even think about having to do. But once it is done it is worth it.

RBob.

 

Damn. I thought as much.

Thanks for the help.

 

I will be doing this soon except the 350 but, what gaskets did you use and what headers do you have?

Let me know so I can prepare myself just in case.

 

I'm gonna get my pipes welded after I change the tranny in a couple days. weld it all, make it permanent!!

 

I am using Hooker headers. First I tried Summit Copper Gaskets. They leaked like a syph. I am now running Percy's Dead Soft Aluminum Gaskets. They are better, but still not sealing completely. I used stage 8 bolts the last time too, so it does not seem to be a matter of the bolts coming loose.

Anyway, good luck guys.

 

Well when I get mine Ill try Fel-Pro. See how they work.

P.S. My buddy is using his gaskets he got with the hookers and they sealed fine...but every motor/part is different.

 

Exactly my situation. The gaskets that came with the headers sealed. However, over time those gaskets became 'unavailable.' With the shape of the bead on the header to head flange, no other gasket would seal.

A round gasket would leak at a side, top or bottom (or a mix of). A square gasket would leak at a/the corner(s).

So I picked a gasket that I felt would continue to be available (IIRC, Mr. Gasker Ultra seal round), pulled the headers, welded up the bead on the ports where it would leak, filed bead flat, re-installed. No more leaks, and can use an off the shelf gasket instead of the manufactuers special now unavailable gasket.

RBob.

 

I see....Hmm, well, Ill be sure to let you all know when I get mine if I have problems....I hope not as I dont weld.

 

Would a good gasket and hi temp
RTV work

 

Kind of like putting the gasket on the flange and RTVing around the gasket?

 

use the grey permatex. i've used it a couple of times and it works wonders.

 

Is that using it in the way I stated? Just in case....a little more seal never hurt.

 

YES, it worked for me and lasted along time

 

i put the sealant on both sides of the gasket and bolted it up right away.

 

Take a good look at the gaskets and where the leak was before trying to fix it with sealant. It may be that there is minimal contact area and requires welding the exh. flange to get it to seal properly. Put a straight edge on the flange. I have fixed many exhaust leaks with a little welding and a file. All of which could have been fixed with sealant for only a short while.