Drivers header leak

-
Jim Ward

Jim Ward

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2020
Messages
722
Reaction score
841
Location
Rockford MI
I’m need recommendations on what to do to fix a leaking header on the drivers side of my 360 duster. The headers are cheap hedman that I bought from an individual who never installed them in the original box. I know they are not dougs or TTI but I used copper gaskets at the head and the collector but the drivers side will not seal up. I’ve changed the gaskets twice now. Is there any exhaust sealant that Anyone has had success with or should I be on the hunt for a set of Dougs or TTI headers for the car?

thanks Jim
 
The guys that use Remflex recommend them, but they have the rep of being fragile during install.
If it were me..... I cut the flange inbetween cylinders, so each cylinder or pair seals up independently. All my headers are that way, and seal fine with cheap Mr gasket gaskets, even multi time use.
 
I have cheapo unknown headers that came on my 360 when I bought the car, I went through 3 different "thin" exhaust gaskets in about 2 months and I was ready to give up until I used something like this (I don't remember the brand I used)
Remflex Inc. 6003 Remflex Exhaust Header Gasket Sets | Summit Racing

they are really thick and compress about 50% when tightened down. I havent had a leak since, I am super happy with the product
 
I had the remflex type gasket originally. I will cut the flanges between the exhaust ports and give that a go. Thanks for the replies.

Jim
 
33IMP said:
The guys that use Remflex recommend them, but they have the rep of being fragile during install.
If it were me..... I cut the flange inbetween cylinders, so each cylinder or pair seals up independently. All my headers are that way, and seal fine with cheap Mr gasket gaskets, even multi time use.
Click to expand...
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
I tried the copper gaskets on my 440. I never could get them to seal. I just bought Fel-pro header gaskets. No leaks.
 
If you want to do it right, once, - you gotta take the header off and "true" the "flange" , by taking a straight edge, and where nec. weld in the low/valleys, - file down the high/peaks.
Look up "draw-filing".
Once the mating surface are "true", you should be able to use reasonably priced Mr. Gaskets that last for years/decades .
Good Luck .
 
If I pull the header I’ll buy new properly built headers. I won’t mess with these cheap headers again. If they come off they will go from my garage to the trash bin. To pull the header means to pull the motor and I don’t want to go that far backwards with season just starting. That is a winter project for sure.

thanks Jim
 
I cut the flanges off completely between the tubes . Over 1 lb.

misc 6-8-15 073.JPG
 
I had hedman headers brand new put them on my 72 340 Duster same problem leak on drivers side I tried all things got mad and cut them off and put stock exhaust back on.
 
Thanks for everyone’s help. I bought the Remflex gaskets and they sealed up perfectly. All good now!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top