Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
gasket. Help!!!


--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
<travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:

>ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
>I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
>bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
>driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
>Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
>replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
>other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
>letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
>even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
>see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
>over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
>could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
>for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
>when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
>gasket. Help!!!

Hey, look at what I found:
<http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
<http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
me. Advice, please? Thanks.



--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
<travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:

>ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
>I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
>bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
>driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
>Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
>replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
>other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
>letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
>even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
>see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
>over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
>could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
>for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
>when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
>gasket. Help!!!

Hey, look at what I found:
<http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
<http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
me. Advice, please? Thanks.



--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
<travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:

>ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
>I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
>bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
>driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
>Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
>replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
>other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
>letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
>even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
>see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
>over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
>could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
>for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
>when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
>gasket. Help!!!

Hey, look at what I found:
<http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
<http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
me. Advice, please? Thanks.



--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

I think I just answered my own question. I just now went out in the
garage and was putting my one last good header gasket away when I saw
the old blown-out gasket that came with the headers I bought. It also
has that dog-leg shaped port to it. Screw it, I'm buying the copper
gaskets from Summit that say they're only for a 390/401. I think
their product description is just wrong.



On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 18:19:18 -0500, travis
<travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:

>On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
><travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:
>
>>ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
>>I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
>>bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
>>driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
>>Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
>>replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
>>other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
>>letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
>>even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
>>see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
>>over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
>>could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
>>for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
>>when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
>>gasket. Help!!!
>
>Hey, look at what I found:
><http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
>It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
>same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
>ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
>port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
>wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
>another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
><http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
>Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
>Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
>bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
>header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
>ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
>use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
>right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
>one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
>link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
>on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
>gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
>inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
>me. Advice, please? Thanks.


--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

I think I just answered my own question. I just now went out in the
garage and was putting my one last good header gasket away when I saw
the old blown-out gasket that came with the headers I bought. It also
has that dog-leg shaped port to it. Screw it, I'm buying the copper
gaskets from Summit that say they're only for a 390/401. I think
their product description is just wrong.



On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 18:19:18 -0500, travis
<travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:

>On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
><travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:
>
>>ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
>>I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
>>bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
>>driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
>>Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
>>replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
>>other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
>>letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
>>even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
>>see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
>>over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
>>could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
>>for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
>>when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
>>gasket. Help!!!
>
>Hey, look at what I found:
><http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
>It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
>same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
>ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
>port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
>wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
>another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
><http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
>Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
>Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
>bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
>header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
>ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
>use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
>right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
>one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
>link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
>on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
>gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
>inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
>me. Advice, please? Thanks.


--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

I think I just answered my own question. I just now went out in the
garage and was putting my one last good header gasket away when I saw
the old blown-out gasket that came with the headers I bought. It also
has that dog-leg shaped port to it. Screw it, I'm buying the copper
gaskets from Summit that say they're only for a 390/401. I think
their product description is just wrong.



On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 18:19:18 -0500, travis
<travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:

>On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
><travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:
>
>>ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
>>I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
>>bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
>>driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
>>Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
>>replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
>>other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
>>letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
>>even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
>>see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
>>over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
>>could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
>>for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
>>when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
>>gasket. Help!!!
>
>Hey, look at what I found:
><http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
>It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
>same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
>ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
>port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
>wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
>another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
><http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
>Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
>Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
>bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
>header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
>ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
>use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
>right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
>one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
>link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
>on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
>gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
>inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
>me. Advice, please? Thanks.


--
Travis
http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
:wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

I would take the header to an engine rebuilding shop and have them put
it on their machine to make it flat again.

Headers warp after being installed and sometimes that warp is too big
for a normal torque when doing a re-install. Sometimes tightening down
the bolt closest to the blowout way over torque will work, but a quick
shot on the shop planer can just do wonders for it and is really cheap
to have done.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

travis wrote:
>
> On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
> <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:
>
> >ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> >I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> >bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> >driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> >Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> >replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> >other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> >letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> >even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> >see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> >over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> >could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> >for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> >when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> >gasket. Help!!!
>
> Hey, look at what I found:
> <http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
> It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
> same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
> ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
> port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
> wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
> another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
> <http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
> Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
> Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
> bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
> header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
> ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
> use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
> right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
> one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
> link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
> on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
> gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
> inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
> me. Advice, please? Thanks.
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

I would take the header to an engine rebuilding shop and have them put
it on their machine to make it flat again.

Headers warp after being installed and sometimes that warp is too big
for a normal torque when doing a re-install. Sometimes tightening down
the bolt closest to the blowout way over torque will work, but a quick
shot on the shop planer can just do wonders for it and is really cheap
to have done.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

travis wrote:
>
> On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
> <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:
>
> >ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> >I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> >bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> >driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> >Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> >replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> >other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> >letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> >even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> >see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> >over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> >could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> >for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> >when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> >gasket. Help!!!
>
> Hey, look at what I found:
> <http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
> It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
> same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
> ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
> port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
> wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
> another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
> <http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
> Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
> Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
> bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
> header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
> ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
> use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
> right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
> one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
> link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
> on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
> gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
> inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
> me. Advice, please? Thanks.
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

I would take the header to an engine rebuilding shop and have them put
it on their machine to make it flat again.

Headers warp after being installed and sometimes that warp is too big
for a normal torque when doing a re-install. Sometimes tightening down
the bolt closest to the blowout way over torque will work, but a quick
shot on the shop planer can just do wonders for it and is really cheap
to have done.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

travis wrote:
>
> On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:29:56 -0500, travis
> <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> shared the following:
>
> >ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> >I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> >bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> >driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> >Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> >replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> >other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> >letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> >even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> >see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> >over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> >could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> >for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> >when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> >gasket. Help!!!
>
> Hey, look at what I found:
> <http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D111401>
> It says it's only for a 390/401, but it looks like it's EXACTLY the
> same header gasket I'm using right now... When they say "dog-leg
> ports" are they talking about the little bump on on corner of each
> port? Most header gaskets I find say they fit the 304/360/401 so I'm
> wondering how this one can fit the 401 and not a 304... Here's
> another one they sell that says it fits 304/360/401...
> <http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D27850>
> Notice how it doesn't have the little bump on the corner of each port?
> Hmm... Seems like I could still use the copper gasket with the little
> bump thingie...doesn't it? What do y'all think? I'd need to pull the
> header again to know if the ports themselves have the dog-leg shaped
> ports or if they're just kinda round. Even if they're round I could
> use the dog-leg-shaped gasket, right? I mean I have one on there
> right now but of course it's blown out... but I'd think the copper
> one would be much stronger... And that last gasket that I showed the
> link to...how would it work on a 401 if the 401 had the dog-leg ports
> on it? The exhaust would just burn through the portion of the round
> gasket that covered up the little bump on the corner I guess... The
> inconsistency of information I see about these gaskets is confusing
> me. Advice, please? Thanks.
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iqfqrvgh5n0mptofhifb9a48hskjg9ct00@4ax.com...
> ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> gasket. Help!!!
>
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Hey Travis,

Header leaks suck, don't they? There are quite a few things you can do to
help solve the problem, but what we've been doing on the circle track cars
we work on is not use a gasket at all. We just use the ultra hi temp copper
RTV sealant. This was kind of discovered by mistake because we needed a
gasket on one of these cars in an emergency and didn't have one. We figured
we would patch it up with RTV and just hopefully get through one race with
it, and then fix it during the week. Well, the sealer worked so well, we
just left it and it lasted almost a whole racing season, and in fact, was
still holding up until we pulled the engine out for freshening. I would also
suggest like Mike said, have the flanges checked for flatness. If you are
having problems with the bolts constantly loosening up, you may want to also
look into the Stage 8 brand fasteners with the retaining clips on them. Here
is what they look like:

<http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc..._image.d2w/rep
ort?prrfnbr=3879>

Chris

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iqfqrvgh5n0mptofhifb9a48hskjg9ct00@4ax.com...
> ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> gasket. Help!!!
>
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Hey Travis,

Header leaks suck, don't they? There are quite a few things you can do to
help solve the problem, but what we've been doing on the circle track cars
we work on is not use a gasket at all. We just use the ultra hi temp copper
RTV sealant. This was kind of discovered by mistake because we needed a
gasket on one of these cars in an emergency and didn't have one. We figured
we would patch it up with RTV and just hopefully get through one race with
it, and then fix it during the week. Well, the sealer worked so well, we
just left it and it lasted almost a whole racing season, and in fact, was
still holding up until we pulled the engine out for freshening. I would also
suggest like Mike said, have the flanges checked for flatness. If you are
having problems with the bolts constantly loosening up, you may want to also
look into the Stage 8 brand fasteners with the retaining clips on them. Here
is what they look like:

<http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc..._image.d2w/rep
ort?prrfnbr=3879>

Chris

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iqfqrvgh5n0mptofhifb9a48hskjg9ct00@4ax.com...
> ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> gasket. Help!!!
>
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Hey Travis,

Header leaks suck, don't they? There are quite a few things you can do to
help solve the problem, but what we've been doing on the circle track cars
we work on is not use a gasket at all. We just use the ultra hi temp copper
RTV sealant. This was kind of discovered by mistake because we needed a
gasket on one of these cars in an emergency and didn't have one. We figured
we would patch it up with RTV and just hopefully get through one race with
it, and then fix it during the week. Well, the sealer worked so well, we
just left it and it lasted almost a whole racing season, and in fact, was
still holding up until we pulled the engine out for freshening. I would also
suggest like Mike said, have the flanges checked for flatness. If you are
having problems with the bolts constantly loosening up, you may want to also
look into the Stage 8 brand fasteners with the retaining clips on them. Here
is what they look like:

<http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc..._image.d2w/rep
ort?prrfnbr=3879>

Chris

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

Before you install that header again, take it to a machine shop and get it
machined so it is flat.

The flange that bolts up to the side of the head can be warped to an amount
that is greater than the gasket's ability to correct. When I bought my Borla
header, the flange was badly warped and the gasket would never have filled
the gaps. I put it on a large flatbed belt sander until all of the high
points were ground off. I installed it without a gasket almost 4 years ago,
and it still doesn't leak.




"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iqfqrvgh5n0mptofhifb9a48hskjg9ct00@4ax.com...
> ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> gasket. Help!!!
>
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

Before you install that header again, take it to a machine shop and get it
machined so it is flat.

The flange that bolts up to the side of the head can be warped to an amount
that is greater than the gasket's ability to correct. When I bought my Borla
header, the flange was badly warped and the gasket would never have filled
the gaps. I put it on a large flatbed belt sander until all of the high
points were ground off. I installed it without a gasket almost 4 years ago,
and it still doesn't leak.




"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iqfqrvgh5n0mptofhifb9a48hskjg9ct00@4ax.com...
> ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> gasket. Help!!!
>
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!

Re: Source for header gaskets that won't blow out?
 

Before you install that header again, take it to a machine shop and get it
machined so it is flat.

The flange that bolts up to the side of the head can be warped to an amount
that is greater than the gasket's ability to correct. When I bought my Borla
header, the flange was badly warped and the gasket would never have filled
the gaps. I put it on a large flatbed belt sander until all of the high
points were ground off. I installed it without a gasket almost 4 years ago,
and it still doesn't leak.




"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iqfqrvgh5n0mptofhifb9a48hskjg9ct00@4ax.com...
> ARGH!!! I installed a set of headers on my 304 a couple of weeks ago.
> I used the paper gaskets that came with them and retorqued the header
> bolts after about 20 miles or so of driving. Still the one on the
> driver's side blew out soon afterwards. I bought a set of Mr Gasket
> Ultra Seal header gaskets and (being the el-cheapo that I am) only
> replaced the one on the side that had blown out figuring I'd leave the
> other side alone since it was ok. I retorqued the header bolts after
> letting the engine get hot and then cold again a couple of times. Not
> even 50 miles later the header gasket has blown out again. I don't
> see any deformity in the mating surfaces. I'm told that somewhere
> over the rainbow somebody makes some copper header gaskets that I
> could use that will never ever ever blow out. Anybody have a source
> for these? The Jeep sounds GREAT with the headers and full exhaust
> when it's not FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! leaking from the blown header
> gasket. Help!!!
>
>
> --
> Travis
> http://jeepadventures.dyndns.org/jeep.html
> The meek shall inherit the earth. After I'm finished with it.
> :wq!