04 Sierra 5.3 Header leak
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 163
Likes: 2
04 Sierra 5.3 Header leak I have Pace Setter shortys on my 04 sierra mounted w the provided bolts and paper gaskets w ultra copper on both sides (per instructions) The bolts have loosened up a handful of times and Im 99% sure Ive traced the leak to driver's bank rear bottom of flange, hole 7. To describe the leak, it's noticeable under a load but you cant hear it with the radio on. I dont have many miles on the headers, maybe a few thousand. Im not sure if it has gotten worse over time or is just starting to bug the hell out of me.
I want to take the truck on a 600 mile round trip this weekend but am worried about the gasket blowing out worse and getting stranded with a bad exhaust leak. Obv wouldn't be pounding on it. What are your guys' thoughts on the matter? Was gonna snug up the bolts one final time before departure.
PS I have a set of Percys dead soft aluminum gaskets and stage 8 locking bolts sitting here (despite reading MLS are the best). Just waiting on warmer weather since I am planning on having the flanges milled while Im at it. This truck isnt a daily driver and only sees a few thousand miles a year.
I want to take the truck on a 600 mile round trip this weekend but am worried about the gasket blowing out worse and getting stranded with a bad exhaust leak. Obv wouldn't be pounding on it. What are your guys' thoughts on the matter? Was gonna snug up the bolts one final time before departure.
PS I have a set of Percys dead soft aluminum gaskets and stage 8 locking bolts sitting here (despite reading MLS are the best). Just waiting on warmer weather since I am planning on having the flanges milled while Im at it. This truck isnt a daily driver and only sees a few thousand miles a year.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 163
Likes: 2
Guess ill try to be more specific?
is it possible (from my previous description) to blow out the gasket creating a leak that you wouldnt want to drive with?
Dont have time to do the gaskets right now. Its either take my truck or try and borrow another one
is it possible (from my previous description) to blow out the gasket creating a leak that you wouldnt want to drive with?
Dont have time to do the gaskets right now. Its either take my truck or try and borrow another one
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,303
Likes: 3,619
From: Central Cal.
The absolute worst is a real noisy leak, nothing to sideline the car. It will never be a single cylinder straight pipe sound, just maybe a 1/16'" gap max, just guessing, likely not even that. Just drive it, then fix it when you can.
