Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: SR71TC on May 25, 2008, 10:52:42 AM

Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: SR71TC on May 25, 2008, 10:52:42 AM
OK, I'm on my 4th set of Felpro header gaskets in 4 months, this is getting old replacing them. It seems to be blowing out the number 4 and 8 cylinders. I know I'm installing correctly and the bolts are torqued to the right inch pounds. I re-torque them after several heat/cool cycles and still they will blow out again. I went as so far to check for warpage at the head and the BBK 1 5/8" headers and both are perfectly straight. I also s off any old gasket material with a razor blade and wipe it clean with acetone. Any ideas or maybe perhaps a different gasket manufacturer?

Jason
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Blown306Cougar on May 25, 2008, 11:38:13 AM
depending on if you have

Square Port headers

http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7160/10002/-1/744835|10259 (http://"http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7160/10002/-1/744835|10259")

or

Oval Port headers

http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7161/10002/-1/744835|10259 (http://"http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7161/10002/-1/744835|10259")


there are other brands you can use i just did a quick search.

but i would go with the copper ones i have bin useing same one since my rebuild in 2003..

i allso use copper collector gaskets ..

i allso use Permatex "Ultra Copper" High Temp Rtv Silicone  "101br" when in stalling them..


Nick
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: youpey on May 25, 2008, 11:49:44 AM
are they pep boys parts. i once went went through 6 of the same part in 2 months. finally i got one from napa and it was fine
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: 32VFoxBird on May 25, 2008, 01:09:56 PM
dont waste your time or money on header gaskets. most of them leak, and you'll have better luck using high temp gasket maker silicone. just apply to the sealing side of the header s. let it dry for a few minutes, then install. ive never had a leak using this method.
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: andrew beedle on May 25, 2008, 01:56:05 PM
I run the copper ones as posted above after I had the same problem from turbo back pressure blowing out my gaskest and ever since I switched to copper I have had no issues
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: SR71TC on May 25, 2008, 03:02:35 PM
I was going to do the copper gaskets, but I went with Mr. Gasket ultra seal. These gaskets are a lot thicker than the Felpro's I was using. If these do blow out, I'll do the copper thing. Thanks guys.

Jason
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 25, 2008, 03:45:14 PM
I've never once used a header gasket. I use the copper RTV.
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Sick88Tbird on May 25, 2008, 09:15:10 PM
My experiences have been quite the opposite of what everyone else seems to be saying...I've NEVER had a problem with fel-pro headers gaskets (or cheapo ones either)...but I had copper gaskets that did nothing but leak continuously.
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: V8Demon on May 25, 2008, 10:27:43 PM
copper > cork for header gaskets.
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: cougarman on May 25, 2008, 11:07:11 PM
i had a similar problem on my car and i used loctite on the bolts and havent blown a header gasket since, and I also use the copper rtv on the turbo stang with great results
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Cougar5.0 on May 26, 2008, 12:42:40 AM
I got the Percy's dead soft stacked aluminum gaskets http://www.jegs.com/p/Percy%27s/744841/10002/-1/11745

These things will conform to anything and are easily trimmed if needed to get a perfect fit. These are my 3rd type of gasket tried and the last set of gaskets I'll ever need for this engine.
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Carpimp1987 on May 26, 2008, 01:07:49 AM
how much do the copper ones cost Andrew?
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Cougar5.0 on May 26, 2008, 01:16:15 AM
:sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :moon:

Quote from: Blown306Cougar;220575
depending on if you have

Square Port headers

http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7160/10002/-1/744835|10259 (http://"http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7160/10002/-1/744835|10259")

or

Oval Port headers

http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7161/10002/-1/744835|10259 (http://"http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7161/10002/-1/744835|10259")


there are other brands you can use i just did a quick search.

but i would go with the copper ones i have bin useing same one since my rebuild in 2003..

i allso use copper collector gaskets ..

i allso use Permatex "Ultra Copper" High Temp Rtv Silicone  "101br" when in stalling them..


Nick
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Carpimp1987 on May 26, 2008, 01:25:19 AM
Sorry cougar 5.0 if i make you mad sometimes asking dumb ?s and make you work to much by re posting links. Nice ride i hope my XR7 turns out almost as nice as your cougar.
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Cougar5.0 on May 26, 2008, 01:27:11 AM
Quote from: Carpimp1987;220698
Sorry cougar 5.0 if i make you mad sometimes asking dumb ?s and make you work to much by re posting links. Nice ride i hope my XR7 turns out almost as nice as your cougar.


lol - I enjoyed reposting that - just a few smilies to rub it in a little :D
Title: Header Gaskets.....
Post by: Carpimp1987 on May 26, 2008, 01:29:51 AM
Okay good but i really hope my cougar turns out better than yours for the simple fact of i think thats about the nicest cougar i have seen for a 87-88 but anything close to looking that good will be nice even if it only runs 12s when i get it bulit.