Copper header gaskets leaking like a civ

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May 8, 2008 | 12:10 PM

lt170chevelle

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From: BS,TX

Copper header gaskets leaking like a civ

i bought some copper header gaskets because i got tired of blowing thru my carbon ones. well they barely leak when running temperature but man do they leak when cold. anybody else had this problem and or a solution? did i supposed to coat these with any sealer? i have been thinking about just biting the bullet and getting some aluminum ones since the will conform to any irregularaties on the flange.

May 8, 2008 | 12:13 PM

qqwqeqwrqwqtq

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From: WWW.SPEEDINC.COM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lt170chevelle

anybody else had this problem and or a solution?

I had that problem with my LT1 car. The solution was 1/2in thick flanges, a thin coating of rtv and no gaskets.

May 8, 2008 | 01:21 PM

Fireball

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From: Cecil County Raceway!!!

look into vbands...

May 8, 2008 | 01:40 PM

veee8

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From: Raleigh,North Carolina

If you are talking about where the header flange seats to the head, it is hard to beat the factory MLS manifold gaskets. If you are talking about the collectors, invest in v-bands, and you will solve your problem. Just don't warp them when welding them on.

May 8, 2008 | 02:19 PM

Mr.MartyStone

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From: Screwston, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by lt170chevelle

The best gasket is no gasket. Run a liberal coat of RTV and tighten.

Marty

May 8, 2008 | 04:28 PM

lt170chevelle

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From: BS,TX

oh i should had said the header flange where it meets the head was what i was referring to. So if i use no gasket will it scar the head up. Also if i use some high temp rtv will it need a full 24 hours to cure? i am now interested in going this route.I have some old headers that i had fabricated and i think the flanges are a little warped. Would going no gaskets cure this?