Header Gasket Leak

[SPDNTKT]

Good morning,
I have a header gasket leak driver's side front cylinder. Motor is a 473 stroker FE aftermarket block, aluminum heads, etc. SPO 1465. Will I have to split the header from the sidepipe flange or can I remove the rear side pipe support to gain access to the header bolts on the motor? Do I have to jack up the motor? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Best place to puchase header gaskets?

Thanks,

Anthony

[bobcowan]

I can't give you the specifics of the repair, as my car is very differant. But here's some othe thoughts:

- What happened? And why? If you don't figure that out, it will happen again.

- Generally speaking, you'll want to remove the header from the car to make sure the flange is flat around every exhaust port. It makes clean up a lot easier.

- I havn't used a header gasket in years. Strictly copper hi-temp silicone. So far, no failures.

[SPDNTKT]

Bob,
Thanks for the information. Will post after I take the header off the car.

Regards,

Anthony

[Silverback51]

You may want to look at RemFlex gaskets. They are thicker and more forgiving of any mismatch in the flange and head.

I use them on the header to the head, and also the header to side pipe. It took me a while to figure out how to get them to work on the side pipe. If I remember correctly they only require 10 LB/FT of torque. What happened was the bolts would come loose and then I had a leak. Finally I went with flanged nuts and star washers. No problems since I did that.

Here is link to their site.

Remflex Exhaust Header / Manifold Gaskets

[SPDNTKT]

Gentlemen,
Thank you all for the information. I was able to find NOS FE gaskets in an old auto parts store in Newark, NJ. The place has been there since the 1940's. Not many of them left around here. Best regards,

Anthony