Have a exhaust(manifold)/header leak

[SkadonyaCA]

Whats the best/easiest way to go about fixing this? I already have new gaskets in there. I think I might need to have it machined....yuck.

Thanks

Amanda

[stock89]

Ranger Amanda,

They are "Headers", not manifolds. It may be possible a bolt has loosened. Always try the simple things first. Then if that isn't it, maybe the gasket is tired and crapped out on you. If that isn't it, are you sure their are no cracks anywhere in the headers? Best of luck.

Rob

[SkadonyaCA]

I realized I put manifold, when I was meaning my headers. I think the manifold is warped. I put brand new gaskets in about a month ago and it was still leaking. When I took it to the shop today to get my power steering fluid replaced they told me my manifold was leaking... I thought they were incorrect. Figured I would post. I think I will just have to get it machined... Or get a new one, ; ) just kidding!

[ultraflo]

I was under the impression that the stockers were referred to as manifolds? (Even though they do look like a poor excuse for headers)

Anyhow, that's not important...
Have someone get about a 2-3 foot length of 1/4-3/8 i.d. rubber hose and stick one end in your ear and the other around the header flange area on where the suspect leak is coming from. This will allow you to determine where EXACTLY the leak is coming from. Be careful not to blow-out your ear drum in the process...

If it's coming from where the header mounts to the cylinder head, then you're do for a new gasket set.

However, I have seen them develop leaks on the flange where it bolts to the h-pipe. Rust wreaks havoc in this area! Either the studs themselves rust in half or the flange rusts and gets weak, distorts, and tick tick tick you have an exhaust leak!

I have fixed a few of these and sometimes you can temporarily get away with heating up the nut with a torch and giving it a couple cranks. If that doesn't work, then the studs need to be replaced and you can add washers to compensate for a semi-distorted flange. If the flange on the h-pipe is shot, cut a new one in half and weld it back into place. If the flange on the header is bad, you need new headers!!

Hope I could help! I work in a muffler shop and see this from time to time...

[ultraflo]

Duh!!!

I did not realize you have bbk's

You're main task should be to locate where exactly the leak is coming from and go from there...

Sorry, all that typing for nothing:D

Is the leak at the inlet(s) or at the outlet of your headers???

Try some orange hi-temp permatex silicone (not too much) with your gaskets and quality fasteners like ARP if it's at the cylinder heads...

[SkadonyaCA]

Thanks guys, you just confused the hell out of me! Just kidding. Yeah I got confused by the shop too, they told me exhaust manifold, and I was like, what? Then I asked if the meant my headers... It was leaking before I put the headers on. I want to try and tighten the bolts some more. Hopefully someone will help...Skyler ; )

I like the idea of using a sealant, where would be the best place to find the one you are talking about? I have a silicon sealant for my sub box, but I doubt it would stay, probably would melt off!

Thanks!

[ultraflo]

You can get the Permatex orange hi-temp stuff at Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc. and any speed shop would have it. Don't get carried away with that stuff (dont use too much) and let it setup for 15+ minutes before re-assembly.

You could also get a better gasket set if you are now running the junk paper ones. Lets see, they make em out of copper and I run the type Bassani sells with their headers (its a stainless plate with a graphite type removable gasket insert) and I think Earls or some other company makes something similar to it.

Both types work much better than paper...
Goodluck!

[silver_pilate]

Watch out for those sealants. A little dab here and a little dab there, and before you know it, you'll be buying new O2 sensors quick as you please. The fumes of some silicone based sealants will trash the 02 sensors right quick.

--nathan

[Skyman]

Yeah, we can fix it this weekend. Shouldn't be hard at all.

Just gotta find where the leaks coming from. I suspect the header just because of the sound.

We shouldnt need any sealant, just get everything lineing up right, unless the gaskets are just blown out.



Skyler