OK I have fastburn heads w/ Doug's lt headers and they leak. Called summit tech line and they said the gaskets that came with them should work. I have warmed it up and retorqed them but it still leaks. I even called doug's and they said that they should work. Now I believe that other members have used this head/header combo but I have searched and came up empty. Please chim in good or bad so I can get this thing on the road. Thanks in advance!

 

I used some x brand headers and the gaskets they sent leaked too. I replaced them with a set of ultra seals from Mr. Gasket. I assume you are talking about leaking at the block. Then they started leaking. I took my Y-pipe off only to find that my Catalytic Conv. was broken and plugging up the exit completely. I removed the Cat, installed new gaskets and viola! Never leaked again.

 

I just put a set of felpro 1470's on and still leaks. I dont get it. There has got to be a solution. I refuse to believe summit's tech guy. I will try the mr. gasket next.

 

Did you check the header flange surface before slapping them in there?

Sometimes there is a spec or two of weld splatter. Just enough to compromise the seal. Use a file to clean them up

Next, get some High Temp RTV sealant. Coat both sides of the gaskets before installing. As long as you re-torque them on schedule, you should never blow them out

 

two things I have done....try using the thick crush aluminum gaskets I think from flowtech....they are supposed to seal even bad header leaks.....also...i run mr.gasket on mine, but I also use the copper rtv on both sides of gasket and never had a leak...i even use cheap flowtech headers and no leaks....

 

Pocket: Actually never crossed my mind. I will double check. I think this is the last thing left b4 I hit the road and it is nice out taday.

Interceptor: Did you use them both at the same time? Or did both of them work at different times?Thanks and I will keep trying to get this workin. On a side note the exhaust shop that did my exhaust did a real s*** job. I will have to post pics.

 

make sure no weld splatter & flat surface on header flange . same with heads . chase threads in cylinder heads , use good hardware/bolts , good gaskets , ( i like mr. gasket copper ) start all bolts loose , tighten from the center outward . take your time , do it slow . re-check/tighten from center outward . TIGHTEN/TORQUE FROM CENTER OUTWARD . good luck .

 

Thanks to all those who replied I will try all the ideas until i find something that works. Thanks again, Seann

 

Your bolts arent to long are they. i mean there getting tight in the head but not holding the header on tight enough? just a thought

 

if he is using the bolts and gaskets that came with the Doug's headers kit they are extra
a long I have a set at home now ... check that they are not bottomed out also check the head to header flange area around the ports. the headers tubes are quite large and some heads with stock size ports have a lip for the gaskets they mismatch and leak

 

AHHAH!!! It is true my bolts are long but barely. However the flange on the head has barely enough metal to catch the flange on the header. Well I could weld some of the port shut and regrind the flange flat or weld on my new heads and make the mating surface bigger. Niether of wich I want to do. Any new suggestions?

 

That is what I was afraid of ok the gaskets for stock Chevy exhaust port is 1.5x 1.5 the headers flange is 1.85x1.65 and on the head is the matting surface around the port for the gasket to seal on..... ok what you are going to have to do is find an exhaust gasket that can seal up try felpro 1404 .. I think that will work it will restrict header flange to the port size of the head
also I am not a big fan of it but Hi temp RTV on both sides of the gasket before install torque bolts as mentioned above let RTV harden over night BEFORE YOU START THE ENGINE !!

I have another idea but try this first

CG

 

Why are you running race headers on stockish heads?

 

Why are they only stockish heads? Anyways I got a good deal on the motor and thats what came with it.

 

Ok I will order the 1404's and try the rtv. It will prob be a day or two but I will post results. Thanks for all the help. 65 degrees friday and maybe a cruize. One can only hope.

 

It took 2 1404's and rtv but I think there sealed. Thanks for all the help!