Header Gasket

**theorangeguy** · 10-18-2013, 04:43 PM

Started hearing an exhaust leak yesterday...today on the way home it got worse. I've tracked it down to the drivers side towards the rear of the header. It's either the port in the very back or the one right in front of it...I've cranked the bolts a little to see if they were loose. I can still hear exhaust escaping....is it safe to say I need a new gasket?

Also...finally figured out what long tubes are on my car. They are Hedman headers...and of course, they don't have gaskets available for my freaking car anymore. Any ideas on gaskets?

**0rion** · 10-18-2013, 09:39 PM

What gaskets are on it now? Never heard of a factory MLS gasket failing. Wonder if they used the included paper gaskets with the headers. My suggestion is to get stock gaskets from a dealer & use those.

**theorangeguy** · 10-19-2013, 04:00 AM

Originally Posted by 0rion

What gaskets are on it now? Never heard of a factory MLS gasket failing. Wonder if they used the included paper gaskets with the headers. My suggestion is to get stock gaskets from a dealer & use those.

It looks like it has two gaskets stacked on top of each other...I'm thinking they used the gaskets the headers came with...

**pajeff02** · 10-19-2013, 04:47 AM

Can't beat the stock GM exhaust gaskets for our cars. An exhaust leak will generally show as a bit of a soot trail wherever the leak is. I would carefully inspect the header tube and flange in the area of the leak for cracks using a mirror and a light.

**theorangeguy** · 10-19-2013, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Can't beat the stock GM exhaust gaskets for our cars. An exhaust leak will generally show as a bit of a soot trail wherever the leak is. I would carefully inspect the header tube and flange in the area of the leak for cracks using a mirror and a light.

I tracked it down to the 2nd port from the back on the drivers side...

**pajeff02** · 10-20-2013, 07:23 AM

That's easier than working on the passenger side exhaust. All the bolts are in place -- none broken?

**theorangeguy** · 10-20-2013, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

That's easier than working on the passenger side exhaust. All the bolts are in place -- none broken?

I think im missing one bolt which is probably part of the problem, but not the entire problem...the part number I found is 12617944. Is that right?

this is where I think im missing a bolt: The Yellow arrow is pointing to the bolt that I dont have...it just isnt there at all. The orange arrow is the port that is leaking and I can now see the crack in the paper gasket that is letting the exhaust out so I know its that one...plus I found the black mark on the head.

**2002ssslp** · 10-20-2013, 04:08 PM

Don't discount dead soft copper gaskets. They work well and never wear out.

**pajeff02** · 10-20-2013, 04:16 PM

Is the bolt broken off or just completely missing?

**theorangeguy** · 10-20-2013, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Is the bolt broken off or just completely missing?

I dont know if its broken or not...I havent tried to look into the hole or put another bolt in it yet, I just know the hole is empty...I dont have an exhaust leak around that hole though "which is strange". I guess I'll find out when I get my gaskets...

Should I use OEM gaskets or something like these? Either way im going to order them tonight so I can get them installed in the next few days...tired of hearing the exhaust leak.

Also, I found a stud kit that I'm thinking might be worth buying...any of you guys running studs?

Buy Felpro High Perf. Gasket Exhaust Header HP 1438 at Advance Auto Parts

**pajeff02** · 10-21-2013, 03:03 AM

Go with an OEM gasket - you really can not do better for the price. I have stainless Stage 8 locking fasteners on our headers - never had an issue.

**theorangeguy** · 10-21-2013, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Go with an OEM gasket - you really can not do better for the price. I have stainless Stage 8 locking fasteners on our headers - never had an issue.

Done...thanks for the help.

gaskets.JPG

**theorangeguy** · 10-24-2013, 05:02 PM

Welp...I think I found the problem.........

I had to stop by the parts store to get some anti-seize and look what I found in the parking lot...I seriously think I fell in love...

**az gt eater** · 10-28-2013, 07:22 PM

No kidding. What a sweet ride. Back to your headers. I found in my car, that the pass side header bolts were loose, and the driver's side broken off/too tight. I believe it is because of how the engine torques.

**theorangeguy** · 10-29-2013, 03:55 AM

Originally Posted by az gt eater

No kidding. What a sweet ride. Back to your headers. I found in my car, that the pass side header bolts were loose, and the driver's side broken off/too tight. I believe it is because of how the engine torques.

I still havent put a bolt in the hole that is missing one...its not leaking and im going to order a stud set. Im "hoping" that the bolt didnt break off...im hoping that whoever installed the headers the first time just dropped that bolt into the engine bay somewhere and could never find it...time will tell.