Replacing header gasket?

[Matthew11224]

how would i do this in a single day with normal tools i have in the garage and is it easy for a guy that's never done one... thanks guys

[Ltngdrvr]

8 bolts and 2 gaskets, about 2 hours for the inexperienced.

[Matthew11224]

8 bolts and 2 gaskets, about 2 hours for the inexperienced.

lol umm where do i put the gaskets i've never even seen a gasket befor ..

[83TEE]

lol umm where do i put the gaskets i've never even seen a gasket befor ..




when you pull the headers you'll see the old gaskets between the headers and the head. make sure you get all the old gasket off or you 'll have a leak. good luck.

[embler]

8 bolts and 2 gaskets, about 2 hours for the inexperienced.

uhhh...dont you mean 16 bolts, lol :) its not hard to do. on each side, take out all the bolts except for the ones on the ends. loosen them up. you will see the gasket has slotted holes on the ends. simply pull the old gasket out and slide the new one in place. put the bolts back in and go have fun

[gdniel]

I would invest in copper header gaskets, I haven't had a leak since I switched.

[Ltngdrvr]

uhhh...dont you mean 16 bolts, lol :) its not hard to do. on each side, take out all the bolts except for the ones on the ends. loosen them up. you will see the gasket has slotted holes on the ends. simply pull the old gasket out and slide the new one in place. put the bolts back in and go have fun

If he does both sides, but yes, brain fart time. I meant to say 8 bolts per side.

Although I have just about decided that this guy is shining us on...

[qtrracer]

If the old gaskets stick to the heads - and they probably will - try to avoid scraping pieces of them into the exhaust ports/header tubes; not good if left in there.

[Matthew11224]

so WD40 would be a good idea ?

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

If WD40 doesn't do it try some Permatex gasket remover but be careful what you spray it on because it'll eat paint.

I always had problems getting the bolts in and out so i would suggest either buying a set of ARP 12 point bolts or take a bolt to a hardware store and buy some grade 8 allen head bolts in the same thread pattern and length. Either one will allow you to torque them down hard without the risk of stripping one out.

[Zephyr 351C]

3/8-16 x 3/4, maybe 1. Cant remember.

I normally get header bolts at the parts house. They come in packages of 12 (for SBCs) in either hex head or allen head. I buy one of each. This way I can use a wrench, socket, or an allen wrench depending on how much the primary tube is in the way and what tool I need to get around it.

I used Percy's header gaskets after a paper one blew out. They sealed pretty good, but cant remeber how long they were on there before I parked the car and eventually tore it apart.

[JACook]

I would invest in copper header gaskets, I haven't had a leak since I switched.

All well and good, but I'd also say the same about the FelPro 1415s.
These are steel core composites, like the factory gaskets, only better.
<link> (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FPP%2D1415&N=700+400101+4294925237+4294886211+4294908331+4294 907843+115&autoview=sku)

[82mustang]

matthew11224-what year mustang do you have? on pre 85 5.0's they use a manifold, on 86GT+ they use a tubular header, if you have manifold i highly suggest doing the conversion with the proper H pipe and catback to go along with actual headers(aftermarket if possible), if you already have stock tubular headers i suggest looking at aftermarket upgraded ones to make way for future mods(BBK makes a nice set for about 200.00)

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

All well and good, but I'd also say the same about the FelPro 1415s.
These are steel core composites, like the factory gaskets, only better.
<link> (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FPP%2D1415&N=700+400101+4294925237+4294886211+4294908331+4294 907843+115&autoview=sku)


Yeah, with my MAC headers with the individual flanges, i've had header leaks with every set of gaskets i've ever used, including the magical copper gaskets that are said to cure cancer and feed the hungry..lol.


Right now i'm using cheap parts store gaskets, and i got desperate and used copper RTV and 2 gaskets on the passenger side...and it's actually not leaking for the first time in 4 years.