Header gaskets

Paintwerks · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2015, 07:24 PM

G'day all,

In my comprehensive kit from Pace, I received the headers plus Pace also kindly included an extra set of flanges in order that they can be mated to the cat converter collector.

I didn't receive any gaskets however, so I wanted to know what others have done with regards to gaskets for their own headers to cats? Do you just buy the gasket sheet from Supercheap and cut it to shape yourself? Or get it laser cut?

I did hear that some used purely the Permatex orange high temp gasket maker without the gasket sheet but I didn't think that it is rated up to the temperature of the headers.

Any insight including sources would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Sime

Modena · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2015, 08:42 PM

I used "standard" three bolt flange gaskets because I used standard three bolt flanges.

Paintwerks · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-2015, 09:07 PM

Ben, our flanges are four bolt so that won't work unfortunately.

Have been searching the forum and others have said they had copper gaskets made up, and others have said they've simply used the Permatex Ultra Copper sealant only. The trick apparently, is to let the gasket material dry for 24 hours before starting. I'm just not sure that I would trust the sealant on its own.

renovationinnov · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2015, 10:00 PM

ive got 4 bolt flanges on mine they were off the shelf ones at the exhaust shop because they ran out of 3 bolts
so try an exhaust shop
rob

LoBelly · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2015, 11:01 PM

I have port adapters on my engine and the mating surface from the adaptor to the engine and the header to the adapter were both sealed solely by some red goop.

So that effectively two gasket sets replaced for each head.

no leaks

now I have to try to find a what the exhaust guy used - the permatex stuff looks like the go

LoBelly

Gav · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2015, 08:02 AM

I have used permatex copper for years with no issues.

Paintwerks · #7 (**permalink**) 12-31-2015, 02:32 PM

Thanks. Apparently gaskets can be cut from 3000F Remflex gasket sheet or yes，there have been successful reports of people using Permatex Ultra Copper RTV silicone gasket maker.

Apart from the obvious fact that you need to have a flat mating surface between the flanges，the trick with the Permatex is to use a bead no greater than 1/8” and it's critical to wait 24 hours before starting the car. Follow these pointers and apparently (as Gav pointed out) it is successful.

guye · #8 (**permalink**) 12-31-2015, 05:22 PM

Sime, Derek said he was making the gaskets for the 3-bolt flanges using aluminium I think and a machine he has to press ripples into it. (Does that make sense - I've got no idea about this stuff). I presumed he was going to do the same for the 4-bolt flanges. Or did he say that was our problem?

deano59 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2015, 07:09 PM

the best stuff ive found over the yrs is the stag paste i use it instead of exahust manifold gaskets on our holden v8 race motor .ive put it around loose dipsticks on auto trans. the stuff is oil and fuel proof . best if you put it on and let sit for a while i always carry a tube in the toolbox . i will use it on the flanges on the cobra as well when the time comes

Paintwerks · #10 (**permalink**) 12-31-2015, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guye

Sime, Derek said he was making the gaskets for the 3-bolt flanges using aluminium I think and a machine he has to press ripples into it. (Does that make sense - I've got no idea about this stuff). I presumed he was going to do the same for the 4-bolt flanges. Or did he say that was our problem?

Guy, he said that he was making a die to press a lip into the 3 bolt gaskets, but the four hole header gaskets were up to us.

The Remflex stuff is really good. We can get two sets out of a single 6" x 24" sheet (AUD$97.00. Could speak with Ultimate to find out what they'd charge to laser cut them for us.

Universal 6" X 24" Remflex Exhaust Manifold Gasket Making Sheet REMGS16024 | eBay

PS. Thanks Dean. So the Stag Jointing Compound handles header temps with no issues?

deano59 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-31-2015, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintwerks

Guy, he said that he was making a die to press a lip into the 3 bolt gaskets, but the four hole header gaskets were up to us.

The Remflex stuff is really good. We can get two sets out of a single 6" x 24" sheet (AUD$97.00. Could speak with Ultimate to find out what they'd charge to laser cut them for us.

Universal 6" X 24" Remflex Exhaust Manifold Gasket Making Sheet REMGS16024 | eBay

PS. Thanks Dean. So the Stag Jointing Compound handles header temps with no issues?

ive found it good to use but its a bit messy if you try to use to much . ive used it on turbo to manifold flanges and they havent leaked i am not sure of the temp rating i will see if i can find the tube out in the shed and confirm it .

cheers dean

Gav · #12 (**permalink**) 01-04-2016, 04:34 PM

Stag is great stuff, but sets like a rock.
How do you go getting stuff apart Deano?
I have used it on threaded fittings etc and it seals every time, but doesn't clean up real well if you need to rework it.
The permatex just scrapes off fortunately.

deano59 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-04-2016, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gav

Stag is great stuff, but sets like a rock.
How do you go getting stuff apart Deano?
I have used it on threaded fittings etc and it seals every time, but doesn't clean up real well if you need to rework it.
The permatex just scrapes off fortunately.

i just have some good quality scrapers it comes away once you get a edge under it .