Header Leaks?!

**HottNixLS1** · 07-30-2006, 09:37 PM

Never really understood why header have leaks or how to fix it? Can anyone educate me or give me tips on how to get rid of the annoying sound i have? Thank you.

**brokenls1** · 07-31-2006, 03:46 PM

Have you tried tightening the header bolts? That may work, if it doesn't you have blown out the gaskets and will have to replace them. Goodluck

**Redphoenix1998** · 07-31-2006, 07:48 PM

I used to have that issue with my pacesetters but solved them with copper header gaskets and breslin locking header bolts. Easier than the stage 8 bolts. But take out your old gaskets and any dark burned areas are blow outs where you had a leak. Don't reused your gaskets even if it is steel because it will never seal the same again

**purdueranger** · 08-01-2006, 09:29 AM

because the bolts will expand and contract due to heating and cooling down. it takes a few cycles for them to seat. just retorque them down.

**HottNixLS1** · 08-01-2006, 02:56 PM

so its a simple precedure with my exhaust guy i go to...thanks guys

**Jon7I2** · 08-02-2006, 05:10 PM

Just out of curiousity what kind of sound does it make, when it leaks at the main header gasket? I am wondering because i just installed some dynatech Lt's an the gaskets they supplied looked good. However, i am currently experiencing a sort of clicking sound that is driving me crazy. Any ideas from any of you guys as to the cause/ solution?

**NHRAMAN** · 08-03-2006, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jon7I2

Just out of curiousity what kind of sound does it make, when it leaks at the main header gasket? I am wondering because i just installed some dynatech Lt's an the gaskets they supplied looked good. However, i am currently experiencing a sort of clicking sound that is driving me crazy. Any ideas from any of you guys as to the cause/ solution?

hope u didn't use paper gaskets...and ticking is a leak.

**Wulfe13** · 08-03-2006, 03:31 PM

Get some Percy's aluminum crush gaskets, they're reusable and guranteed not to leak.

**NHRAMAN** · 08-03-2006, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Wulfe13

Get some Percy's aluminum crush gaskets, they're reusable and guranteed not to leak.

I used Percy's Carbon Gaskets and all is well after 3500 miles.

**Jon7I2** · 08-03-2006, 10:10 PM

see the gaskets supplied w/ the kit were good. I mean they were def. better than stock, so i dont understand how they could be leaking.

**zach_ws6** · 08-08-2006, 02:21 PM

the paper ones pacesetter sends with their headers suck. you are better off to reuse the GM ones, assuming they are still in good shape. also, is your guys' ticking coming from under the hood or at the collector of the header?

**sunsetorangess** · 08-08-2006, 02:51 PM

I used the stock gm type metal gaskets for my setup and so far so good. Not too call you stupid or anything but is it a leak or just a diff sound your not use too. The sound made at the collectors could also sound like a leak but in all reality it isnt.
Had the same thoughts a while back but all was good.
J

**Redphoenix1998** · 08-09-2006, 01:30 AM

If you don't properly torque the header bolts down initially or retorque them after a heating and cooling cycle, the header bolts will be loos enough for small exhaust blowby. Once that happens, it gets bigger and bigger and the gasket is then blown and can't be reused. Like I stated above, if you want to avoid this problem and the torquing and re torquing, then use a set of locking header bolts or the new ARP header studs. You'll never have a problem