Header gasket leak repair, K-member is out

[HKusp]

As the title states I have header gasket leaks on both sides. I have LTH long tubes and at first they weren't terrible and once the car warmed up, they would go away. I tried retightening the header bolts, but the leaks are still there and the passenger side is a bear to get to all of them even on a lift without pulling the K-member so... had to be done. While the k member is out, I am going to have the tubular front control arms I scored off the market place here put on too, might as well while the thing is out of the car.

 

[Catmonkey]

Which header gaskets were you using?

 

[HKusp]

I, unfortunately, have no idea. The headers and gaskets were on the car when I bought it.

 

[patc84]

use OEM gaskets

 

[HKusp]

That's what we are replacing the old ones with. Funny thing, I ordered new one's from the local Ford parts department, Packer Norris Ford, the largest Ford parts department on the east coast. I ordered them by VIN and they sent me a set for a V6 for some reason...

 

[Catmonkey]

I, unfortunately, have no idea. The headers and gaskets were on the car when I bought it.

Was it a multi layered steel gasket like OEM?

 

[HKusp]

Not sure, I have not layed eyes on it.

 

[2011 gtcs]

Only run OEM gaskets. They're expensive as hell but worth it.

 

[HKusp]

That's what is going back on it. They are metal 2 piece per side that have only two cylinders per gasket.

 

[HKusp]

I got word that there was a bolt missing on the drivers side and the flanges of the headers weren't completely flat, so they put them in a vise to flatten them back out and then took a 2x4 with some sand paper to true them up some more. Will have pics of stuff eventually. I hope to get the car back tomorrow. Fingers crossed...

 

[HKusp]

Gee, I wonder why I had leaks...

Here are the old gaskets next to the new.

 

[HKusp]

The headers with anti-sieze on them. I drove it yesterday and it sounds 100% better. No leaks and no exhaust smell coming into the passenger compartment, although there was a decent amount of smoke coming off the exhaust in general as the PB Blaster and antisieze were burning off. It got new tubular A-arms and needed to be aligned so I am picking it up at lunch today.

 

[68gtscode]

Jason, looks like you did a great job on the headers. I hope the a-arms went in well and that they work well... Keep us posted after you get the car back from alignment!

 

[SCALILOU]

Damn, glad you were able to get that fixed

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[HKusp]

I'll get some pics of the A-arms on the car when I get a chance, but they are good. I need to put the caster/camber plates on to take out a few minor issues, but going down the road it feels good.

 

[HKusp]

I got to drive it about 25 miles last night and about 12-13 this morning, and there is STILL an exhaust tick somewhere. I am hoping it's mid-pipe or where the cat-back and mid-pipe meet. It's much better than it was but still annoying...dammit...

 

[SCALILOU]

Egr tube? That gave me a ticking noise once when it came loose. Worth checking out

I got to drive it about 25 miles last night and about 12-13 this morning, and there is STILL an exhaust tick somewhere. I am hoping it's mid-pipe or where the cat-back and mid-pipe meet. It's much better than it was but still annoying...dammit...

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[HKusp]

They had it and the EGR assembly out to make sure they aligned it properly and it sealed. It could be that, but it sounds like it may be further back to me.

 

[Robert M]

HKusp - Sorry to butt in, but I have an exhaust question since this thread is directly exhaust related......

I have picked up a "popping" in the exhaust upon deceleration OR when I free rev my car in neutral. In neutral it seems to happen when the rpm's are revved above about 3K?

My car never had done this in the past, I have had a full 3" JBA exhaust with FRPP shorty's for many years, I had the 3" JBA X-pipe and now a 3" MAC ProChamber and that annoying popping started sometime over the last 3 years when the X was still in place. Has anyone else experienced a "popping" out the exhaust.......It almost seems like it happens when the BAP activates and adds additional fuel into the system and exhaust?

Sorry to side track your thread......

R

 

[HKusp]

Don't be sorry, I never mind when an actual discussion happens around here. Mine pops a lot on decel , I have long tubes, a BBK x-pipe with gutted cats, and MBRP 3 inch cat back. I believe it is from raw fuel hitting the hot metal of the x-pipe. I don't know why yours would start doing this out of the blue, other than maybe your cats are starting not to do their job as well, maybe?