I've got a header leak...now how do I go about fixing it? It has leaked ever since I installed the headers with new GM gaskets, and using stock bolts.

Should I replace the bolts with aftermarket, or get a different gasket, or what?

 

Nope, just go across them all and find the loose 1. I'm still using the stock bolts.
Easy fix.

 

I'm also using the stock bolts, GM gaskets, no leaks. If the bolts are tight it's possible the gasket could have got pinched or damaged during the install.
I'd pull the header completely out and re-install with a new gasket making sure everything is lined up correctly. If it dosen't become obvious what the problem is when you're reomving the header then I'd look at the flange and make sure it's straight. Were these brand new headers ?

 

Yeah, brand new headers. If the flange is bent, I guess I'm SOL. We'll see.

 

I had a header leak right where it mates to the passenger head. My TTS headers have 1/2" thick flanges, but the stock header gasket was leaking.

During my blower install, I had them put in some new Percys header gaskets. I've only had the car back for a few days now, but so far so good.

Gary

 

I would try replacing them with those Percy's Seal 4 Good gaskets. They are a little $ for gaskets but they work great. They would prolly make up for any slight imperfections in the flange.

 

Where would I get these gaskets?

 

Might just try to tighten the bolts some, they tend to back out sometimes.

90000 people have used stock gaskets with no problems, so i would guess it's coming from some other problem besides the gaskets used. If you do need to replace the gaskets, you can do it without removing the headers from the car. You can unbolt them, shove them out of the way, start a bolt in the front and back somewhere to hold the gasket in place, then tighten them back up. I would suggest doing 1 side at a time though.

You might only need to replace just one side too. I'd start with the driverside (easier) and see how much it helps.

 

Yo Toasty...Sorry I was a little vague, but yeah check everything. The 2 times I had a header leak it a loose bolt. Hope it's that simple or you.

 

I just installed a set of long tube Pacesetters with a FelPro gasket and Stage 8 bolts. I don't expect any leaks down the road. The gasket had these ears on each end of it that made the header install easy. You just put the header in place and start the 2 outermost bolts. Then the gasket just drops in place. It hangs there on those 2 bolts by the ears until you get the other bolts in place.

 

Jeg's is where my buddy got his from.

 

I Got Mine From Ebay

Now That Were talking about loose bolts...Anybody use Thread Lock on header bolts? Is Good Or Bad Idea?

 

BAD idea. In fact, I use anti-cease on my header bolts. Personally, I'd rather reach in a re-tighten a bolt every now and then if it backs out rather than break one off in the head.

 

 

yeah if you do use locktight I would use the light strenght stuff, I believe its blue

 

Red loctite is some seriously BAD ****. You usually have to actually torch the **** to make it free up. Blue loctite is all I'll use, and only on stuff with steel holes (cam sprocket, shifter stick, etc.)