header collector sealing problem. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crm318 · 12-01-2005, 05:44 PM

my header collector surfaces seem to be warped. i have aluminum gaskets in there now and no matter how much i tighten them it still leaks. i was thinking of using 2 white paper style gaskets. should i do it? if i do should i use red silicone? should i just get the damn things welded instead (im tempted)?

Bishops Trucks · 12-01-2005, 05:58 PM

Paper gaskets will blow out in no time. I have the same problem. Very tempted to weld them together. I bought a new set of headers for my big block truck that has the ball and flange type collectors. Great design, uses no gaskets and does not leak. I'm thinking of getting a set for the small block truck.

kaycee · 12-01-2005, 07:42 PM

I have used 2 gaskets before and yes it did work for me but they will eventually leak again.I belive the ball/flange setup is the way to go but I can't afford a new set of header's.The problem is everyone tightens the hell out of them to keep from leaking which warps the flange.

Longhorn Man · 12-01-2005, 08:17 PM

are you running thin alluminum ones, or the 1/4 inch thick dead soft alluminum ones?
Try the latter if you haven't, I have yet to see a header they wouldn't seal. (within reason)

70c10 · 12-01-2005, 09:07 PM

My buddy swears by the foil type donut gaskets. I recently doubled up the dead soft aluminum ones plus used the copper silicone.

crm318 · 12-01-2005, 10:05 PM

yea im using the thin ones but they arent as thin as a a mr. gasket copper gasket. i really want to weld them but thats pretty permenant. if i use 2 gaskets, should i put selant between the gaskets?

68Stepbed · 12-01-2005, 11:31 PM

If your gonna weld, why not use one of these ball flange kits? They're made by Flowmaster. One end welds to the header collector and the other welds to the exhaust pipe.

cableguy0 · 12-02-2005, 12:08 AM

get a set of hooker collectors with the welded flange they are thicker flanges and will straighten out the warped header flanges.then just resuse your aluminum gaskets

ed455 · 12-02-2005, 09:07 AM

I cut the flanges off mine and expanded the pipe to slip over the collector. I happen to have a 3" exhaust so it worked for me, but if you are going from a 3" collector to say, a 2.5" pipe, you can use the slip over adaptors. I also use the band styly stainless exhaust clamps. No leaky here anymore.

crm318 · 12-02-2005, 05:10 PM

what is the website for those ball flanges? the only thing is is that i would need them from 3 in o 2.25.

cst70rocket · 12-02-2005, 08:29 PM

" no matter how tight I tighten them, they won't seal"
That's the problem. They don't need to be that tight. Here is the cheapest solution, and it works flawlessly everytime, for years to come. Go to the parts store, and buy some good collector gaskets, 2 sets (4 gaskets) I prefer the fel pro blue gaskets if you can find them. Then go to your local exhaust shop, and buy an extra set of flanges. All ya gotta do is sandwich the extra flange between the two gaskets, and viola!!! No more leaks. Please submit $1 to my paypal account for this info!!!

BTW, here is a pic.

SSC's76 · 12-02-2005, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cst70rocket

" no matter how tight I tighten them, they won't seal"
That's the problem. They don't need to be that tight. Here is the cheapest solution, and it works flawlessly everytime, for years to come. Go to the parts store, and buy some good collector gaskets, 2 sets (4 gaskets) I prefer the fel pro blue gaskets if you can find them. Then go to your local exhaust shop, and buy an extra set of flanges. All ya gotta do is sandwich the extra flange between the two gaskets, and viola!!! No more leaks. Please submit $1 to my paypal account for this info!!!

BTW, here is a pic.

You suck! I wanted to tell them about that trick.

Yep as cst70 said this trick works! Ive done it a few times with warped flanges and it sealed them up with no problems. This also tends to increase collector gasket life quite a bit since the pipes arent constantly rubbing against both sides of the gasket cutting it from both ends.

crm318 · 12-03-2005, 03:20 PM

wow that looks awsome. i think i will try that. thanks for the tip guys.

fastwillie 696969 · 12-03-2005, 05:13 PM

read the rules. you may only sell or advertise things for sale if you are a contributor

68Stepbed · 12-03-2005, 06:49 PM

Well, if cst70rocket's idea doesn't work, and it probably will, you can get the ball mount flanges from www.summitracing.com. They make them for all size pipes.

cst70rocket, GREAT tip. I'm gonna try it myself.

MylilBowTie · 12-03-2005, 09:20 PM

I need them in a 2.5 and 2.5 I only see 3.0 and 2.5 for a set. Anyone make those?

crm318 · 12-03-2005, 09:49 PM

i tried the copper ones. they had the same result as the aluminum ones

gringoloco · 12-03-2005, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MylilBowTie

I need them in a 2.5 and 2.5 I only see 3.0 and 2.5 for a set. Anyone make those?

They can special order direct from Flowmaster. Doesn't cost any extra. I did exactly that. Ball/socket flanges rock

No leaks!

*DroppedZ84* · 12-04-2005, 02:28 AM

I've found that with the Hooker's that have the collector flange welded, they never leak.

pebbleboy · 12-04-2005, 03:18 AM

I gotta try that gasket trick. My passenger side leaks.

But will probably stay that way till March when it warms up

tmcgrawlookalike · 12-04-2005, 12:07 PM

i`ve always changed the lip sealing flange over to a hooker type before putting the headers on.it can be done afterwards,but is a pain in the *&%^$#!@?!tack the flange where you want it on the collector end,grind off the lip,run a full bead on the flange,do the same to the reducer,and i`ve always used the hooker header gasket,both head and collector.best if you use new,but i`ve used old stuff too.good luck!!

JoePublicVA · 02-13-2017, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crm318

my header collector surfaces seem to be warped. i have aluminum gaskets in there now and no matter how much i tighten them it still leaks. i was thinking of using 2 white paper style gaskets. should i do it? if i do should i use red silicone? should i just get the damn things welded instead (im tempted)?

I have 75 Chevy c30. Same constant problem w leaky flanges. Tried everything except welding which crates another problem if removing headers. Came up with C Flange Bracket. You tube it for complete installation video. Plz comment. Inquiry about getting working model for trial use. No cutting necessary.

JoePublicVA · 02-13-2017, 07:11 PM

I just posted a reply on similar problem. You tube C Flange Bracket. I have 75 c30 same leaky problem till I used this.

JoePublicVA · 02-13-2017, 07:17 PM

Nice. Chk out C Flange Bracket on u tube. Works great.

JoePublicVA · 02-13-2017, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crm318

yea im using the thin ones but they arent as thin as a a mr. gasket copper gasket. i really want to weld them but thats pretty permenant. if i use 2 gaskets, should i put selant between the gaskets?

Still likely to leak again. Flatten flange and get C Flange Bracket. U tube it

12-01-2005, 05:44 PM	#1
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	header collector sealing problem. my header collector surfaces seem to be warped. i have aluminum gaskets in there now and no matter how much i tighten them it still leaks. i was thinking of using 2 white paper style gaskets. should i do it? if i do should i use red silicone? should i just get the damn things welded instead (im tempted)? __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

12-01-2005, 05:58 PM	#2
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,731	Re: header collector sealing problem. Paper gaskets will blow out in no time. I have the same problem. Very tempted to weld them together. I bought a new set of headers for my big block truck that has the ball and flange type collectors. Great design, uses no gaskets and does not leak. I'm thinking of getting a set for the small block truck. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

12-01-2005, 07:42 PM	#3
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,443	Re: header collector sealing problem. I have used 2 gaskets before and yes it did work for me but they will eventually leak again.I belive the ball/flange setup is the way to go but I can't afford a new set of header's.The problem is everyone tightens the hell out of them to keep from leaking which warps the flange. __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

12-01-2005, 08:17 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: header collector sealing problem. are you running thin alluminum ones, or the 1/4 inch thick dead soft alluminum ones? Try the latter if you haven't, I have yet to see a header they wouldn't seal. (within reason)

12-01-2005, 09:07 PM	#5
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: header collector sealing problem. My buddy swears by the foil type donut gaskets. I recently doubled up the dead soft aluminum ones plus used the copper silicone. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

12-01-2005, 10:05 PM	#6
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: header collector sealing problem. yea im using the thin ones but they arent as thin as a a mr. gasket copper gasket. i really want to weld them but thats pretty permenant. if i use 2 gaskets, should i put selant between the gaskets? __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

12-01-2005, 11:31 PM	#7
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: header collector sealing problem. If your gonna weld, why not use one of these ball flange kits? They're made by Flowmaster. One end welds to the header collector and the other welds to the exhaust pipe. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system Last edited by 68Stepbed; 10-04-2007 at 10:31 PM.

12-02-2005, 12:08 AM	#8
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: header collector sealing problem. get a set of hooker collectors with the welded flange they are thicker flanges and will straighten out the warped header flanges.then just resuse your aluminum gaskets __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-02-2005, 09:07 AM	#9
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Re: header collector sealing problem. I cut the flanges off mine and expanded the pipe to slip over the collector. I happen to have a 3" exhaust so it worked for me, but if you are going from a 3" collector to say, a 2.5" pipe, you can use the slip over adaptors. I also use the band styly stainless exhaust clamps. No leaky here anymore. __________________ If you ain't bleedin', you ain't workin'! 1999 C3500 LS 7.4L

12-02-2005, 05:10 PM	#10
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: header collector sealing problem. what is the website for those ball flanges? the only thing is is that i would need them from 3 in o 2.25. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

12-02-2005, 08:29 PM	#11
cst70rocket Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Angelo or Eufaula Posts: 301	Re: header collector sealing problem. " no matter how tight I tighten them, they won't seal" That's the problem. They don't need to be that tight. Here is the cheapest solution, and it works flawlessly everytime, for years to come. Go to the parts store, and buy some good collector gaskets, 2 sets (4 gaskets) I prefer the fel pro blue gaskets if you can find them. Then go to your local exhaust shop, and buy an extra set of flanges. All ya gotta do is sandwich the extra flange between the two gaskets, and viola!!! No more leaks. Please submit $1 to my paypal account for this info!!! BTW, here is a pic.

12-03-2005, 03:20 PM	#13
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: header collector sealing problem. wow that looks awsome. i think i will try that. thanks for the tip guys. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

12-03-2005, 05:13 PM	#14
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: header collector sealing problem. read the rules. you may only sell or advertise things for sale if you are a contributor __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex Last edited by cableguy0; 12-04-2005 at 02:38 AM.

12-03-2005, 06:49 PM	#15
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: header collector sealing problem. Well, if cst70rocket's idea doesn't work, and it probably will, you can get the ball mount flanges from www.summitracing.com. They make them for all size pipes. cst70rocket, GREAT tip. I'm gonna try it myself. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

12-03-2005, 09:20 PM	#16
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: header collector sealing problem. I need them in a 2.5 and 2.5 I only see 3.0 and 2.5 for a set. Anyone make those? __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI



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12-03-2005, 09:49 PM	#17
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: header collector sealing problem. i tried the copper ones. they had the same result as the aluminum ones __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

12-04-2005, 02:28 AM	#19
DroppedZ84 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nor*Cal Posts: 186	Re: header collector sealing problem. I've found that with the Hooker's that have the collector flange welded, they never leak.

12-04-2005, 12:07 PM	#21
tmcgrawlookalike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: warr acres,oklahoma Posts: 650	Re: header collector sealing problem. i`ve always changed the lip sealing flange over to a hooker type before putting the headers on.it can be done afterwards,but is a pain in the *&%^$#!@?!tack the flange where you want it on the collector end,grind off the lip,run a full bead on the flange,do the same to the reducer,and i`ve always used the hooker header gasket,both head and collector.best if you use new,but i`ve used old stuff too.good luck!!

02-13-2017, 07:11 PM	#23
JoePublicVA Registered User Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 7	Re: header collector sealing problem. I just posted a reply on similar problem. You tube C Flange Bracket. I have 75 c30 same leaky problem till I used this.

02-13-2017, 07:17 PM	#24
JoePublicVA Registered User Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 7	Re: header collector sealing problem. Nice. Chk out C Flange Bracket on u tube. Works great.

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