thetransamkid

So I've blown out 3 Y-pipe collector flange gaskets within a month and half! I haven't skimped out on quality gaskets, I've been using Hedman gaskets which are $8 from O'Reillys. I haven't over/under tightened the bolt/nut that hold the flanges together. I've snugged them down and put a dab of thread locker on the bolt so they wouldn't back off. I have Pacesetter mid length's and no cat. I was thinking that since I still have stock exhaust I have too much back pressure. My car currently sounds like *** because of this issue, HELP!

Edit: Only other performance modifications are 1.6 rr's, cai, egr delete, smog pump delete,

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Could be the gasket surfaces are not true. I've always used soft metal gaskets on exhaust flanges.

thetransamkid

Thanks for the help. I will throw in some metal ones and see if they work better!

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Well, be prepared for them to leak, however they will not blow out.

myltwon

iTrader: (1)

Soft metal gaskets and high temp locktite. Also maybe throw in some lock washers for good measure.

67Lark

I don't condone doing this on all vehicles but if you have an exhaust flange that's giving you fits and a new gasket helps but doesn't cure it buy some copper RTV and lay a bead on the gasket then assemble it. Let it dry thoroughly before starting the vehicle though.


I used to have to RTV my head slip fit connections because no matter what happened the leaked-until I used copper RTV.

ACE1252

I use Percy's Seal-4-Good Header Gaskets for the LT1. Part number 66031 on Summit's site.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/php-66031

Get some ARP 5/16 12pt 1" stainless steel header bolts.

Zero problems with leaks or the bolts loosing up.

Also....tighten the bolts in the center of the flange first, then the ends last(center out).

CamOnlyJabroni

**** even using a true flange I use that stuff too. Just to make sure. Some of the best stuff Permatex ever created IMO. Comes off easy too!

NoMoreLS1

iTrader: (65)

He's talking about the collector gaskets... not the header gaskets.

ACE1252

Thanks, I completely missed that....got to slow down and stop skimming posts.

I absolutely hate those type flanges.

thetransamkid

Update- Got some soft metal gaskets and some copper Rtv. Put a tiny bead of the copper rtv around the gaskets. So far so good! Thanks for all the helpful hints and suggestions. Really appreciate it!

67Lark

Glad you got it fixed! Those leaks can be exhausting trying to fix.

thetransamkid

Amen!

thetransamkid

My car must be cursed, just popped a header gasket after swapping out the collector gaskets.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

What fasteners are you using for the headers? Do not use sealant on header gaskets. There is no reason if the flange is true, you have quality gaskets and fasteners.

NoMoreLS1

iTrader: (65)

Header bolts should be regularly checked. Pacesetter headers are not the best quality so it certainly wouldn't hurt to use some Permatex Ultra Copper RTV.

thetransamkid

Good to know. Car must be cursed, I've blown 3 exhaust gaskets and now my passenger side header gasket.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I would not use RTV on exhaust components. If there is a gap where exhaust gasses are passing and you are trying to seal it with silicone it will only blow out in a short while. no way silicone can withstand that kind of heat for very long. You need to find out if your flanges are true before trying the RTV thing, IMO. Are you running catalytic converters?

NoMoreLS1

iTrader: (65)

Ultra Copper is designed for that type of application. It's fine.

thetransamkid

I am running pacesetter mid tubes into stock exhaust with a converter delete. ON3 performance 3" catback is going on tomorrow so it should relieve some back pressure.

I am going to try DNJ engine components layered steel gaskets from Rockauto.com. Im also going to pick up some ARP header fasteners. If the DNJ gaskets don't work I will try the remflex 2042's.

I will update this tomorrow when the new exhaust and gaskets go in. Thanks for the help guys.