Copper Gaskets leak after Header install?
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On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2009
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Copper Gaskets leak after Header install? I just spent 20+ hours installing Pacesetter Long tubes on my 94 Z28. I was told to stay far away from the paper gaskets included with the new headers. With this in mind I bought a Mr. Gaskets set that are copper and bolted them on. I got the car all back together and started it, and both sides leaked like crazy. You can hear the ticking over the exhaust. I took them off and made sure I installed them the correct way (which I did). I really don't understand. I used "better" gaskets because I wanted to make sure I didn't skimp out and regret it later. Well now I regret not using paper. Any suggestions or explanations? Thanks, Kyle.
Matt
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TECH Resident
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: T E X A S
and the u bolts that come with the PS LT's suck, get some real band clamps.
Gone through that fun during the winter i used the Mr Gasket Coppers and same thing they wouldnt seal for a damn. Although i here you REALLY have to tighen them down for them to seal but no luck. I sent Larry an email what they used which was the Mr Gasket 5903s and first crank perfect seal. You will have to trim a bit of the gasket on the drivers side for the coolant sensor though but thats nothing. Its a royal pain to change out gaskets on these things and trust me use the 5903s!
Last edited by 95mysticta; Apr 19, 2010 at 08:49 AM. Reason: oops
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 11
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From: Arkansas
I have the exact problem!! I too have just installed Pacesetter LTs and know exactly how you feel. I also have a set of MR Gasket coppers. I read all the inputs on here and bought the $50 gaskets too!! Did you ever get the problem solved? To me it almost looks as if when you torque the header bolts it actualy moves the header down... I am concerned it may be a bad set of headers..
Any reply is appreciated! - Joe
Any reply is appreciated! - Joe
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13
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From: IL
I did on my ebay headers, could be a machining error on the header flange or maybe someone has retaped a hole in the head, regardless, you can oblong the problem hole side to side a little bit with a dremel or drill bit, just don't take of too much that cant be covered by the bolt head...just my 2 cents worked for me
Do not try to use a sealant on exhaust ports or gaskets or on the flanges. Reason being is it's a mess and you have to clean it up every time you take your headers off. Besides if you do have a leak as bad as you say the sealant may work for a very short period of time before being burned off. It's possible there are just too many imperfections in the flange to get a good seal. Use a paper gasket and no sealant.
I too have Pace Setter lts,I tried using the MR.Gasket copper gaskets..BIG Mistake...Alot of people say that they just do not seal with the Pace Setter headers..I am using Fel pros with no problem now.
