Bloomington area: anyone wanna help with a header gasket?
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Bloomington area: anyone wanna help with a header gasket?
I've got this obnoxious ticking sound, which the general concensus is a passenger side header that isn't sealed up properly. I really don't have the patience to do this again...because my car will probably end up with a huge dent that resembles my foot. Does someone wanna lend a hand in exchange for your favorite brew and lunch?
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I can do it pretty much any sunday or tuesday, but I don't have a lift.
Steve, I'm not sure I understand your post. I bought new GM gaskets to use when I installed them, and for some reason, after about 2500 miles, I am getting a ticking sound. I have tried to tighten the bolts, but it only seems to get worse. I would have to get a new gasket from GM or use the crappy ones that came with the LTs. Other than LT's, ORY, Corsa CB, lid, some suspension stuff....the car is stock.
Steve, I'm not sure I understand your post. I bought new GM gaskets to use when I installed them, and for some reason, after about 2500 miles, I am getting a ticking sound. I have tried to tighten the bolts, but it only seems to get worse. I would have to get a new gasket from GM or use the crappy ones that came with the LTs. Other than LT's, ORY, Corsa CB, lid, some suspension stuff....the car is stock.
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i bet its in the rear of the flange,,,they can sit funny there if you dont screw all the bolts in using the 2 passes needed,,they will look ok from the top/front,,but be sure to check out the rear ones,,,dr side u should be able to get to from the top,,the passenger side you will need to go in from underneith
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I can do it pretty much any sunday or tuesday, but I don't have a lift.
Steve, I'm not sure I understand your post. I bought new GM gaskets to use when I installed them, and for some reason, after about 2500 miles, I am getting a ticking sound. I have tried to tighten the bolts, but it only seems to get worse. I would have to get a new gasket from GM or use the crappy ones that came with the LTs. Other than LT's, ORY, Corsa CB, lid, some suspension stuff....the car is stock.
Steve, I'm not sure I understand your post. I bought new GM gaskets to use when I installed them, and for some reason, after about 2500 miles, I am getting a ticking sound. I have tried to tighten the bolts, but it only seems to get worse. I would have to get a new gasket from GM or use the crappy ones that came with the LTs. Other than LT's, ORY, Corsa CB, lid, some suspension stuff....the car is stock.
Unless I'm missing something here, I really don't see why you would need a lift. I just see pulling out the header bolts, pulling the old gasket, sliding a new one in, and tightening everything down. I don't really see a need to pull the header completely out (which is why I assume you would need a lift).
What brand headers are they? How many times did you retorque the bolts? I have the QTP's with nice thick flanges. I torqued the bolts down 3 times before I even started the car. I ran it for a little bit and retorqued. I drove it for a bit and retorqued. I finally drove it for like a week and gave it a final torqing. It's probably a bit excessive, but I never had any leaks.
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oh duh!!! I forgot I had all 3 cars listed in my sig. Its on my 02 Z with just basic boltons. I have retorqued twice...but it seems to get worse as I torque them each time. They are hooker LT's with new GM gaskets and I used the hooker bolts, not the factory GM ones. I don't know that I would need a lift, I just found it easier to get the back bolt in from under the car....I guess I just assumed I would use a lift.
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Ahhhh. Should have used the GM bolts. They are way better. Don't need a lift to replace the gasket. I would get new GM bolts if you can not find the GM ones.
We can help. Nick and I work for beer.
We can help. Nick and I work for beer.
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Yup...will work for beer. I think once you have a leak, it's too late to retorque. You need to make sure the bolts are keeping their torque right after the install. Like Steve said, I would use the stock bolts. I have had good luck on the Z and plan on using the stockers on the GTO too. I'm usually available most Sundays.
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I have at least 6 of the stock bolts left, I think... Really, if one of you guys aren't too far from Bloomington, I would like to run the car by you, so you can hear what I am hearing and make a reasonable guess as to if its header leak and not valvetrain noise. In my past endeavors though, it sounds like header leak.
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Yeah...Steve is in Congerville and I'm in Mackinaw. If the sound fluctuates when you mess with the bolt torque, then Im willing to bet it's an exhaust leak. Have you tried feeling around for air movement? You can even use a piece of tissue around the exhaust ports to try and pinpoint the leak.
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hmmm...I work until 4 on the 12th, but I could probably run out there Steve! I'll PM you tonight and see what's going on.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help I have gotten from not just you guys, but everyone here on LS1tech!
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help I have gotten from not just you guys, but everyone here on LS1tech!
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are you guys wanting to do this on Sunday??? I don't know if I can get a GM gasket by then.... Will one from Advance or AutoZone do? (I think I know the answer)
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I think Steve was just wanting to check it out first like you mentioned above. Although if you did have the parts, we could probably do it. If any of the chain stores have a layered metal or copper type gasket, it would probably work just as well as the GM.
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I will have to plan on coming out this Saturday, I am trying fix some rattling/fitment issues with the Corsa exhaust today. I'm gonna have to get creative with the hanger situation, because its from a LT1 car. I will give Steve a call and hopefully meet up with you guys on Saturday!