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Exhaust header gasket, I've gone through one a weekend...

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olds97_lss

olds97_lss

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I've been asking a lot of stupid questions as of late, but...

Has anyone else had problems with their header gaskets leaking and tearing all the time? I've gone through one every weekend I've taken the savage out. I think I'm not getting the right sized one or something. I've tried the one for the savage (actually two of them) and they tear just as fast as the GS ones that I had on hand.

Is there a better thicker one out there that I haven't found? Of the ones that I've used, they are either a little small for the header (bad seal) or a little big for the exhaust port (bad seal). I think it's been causing a tuning nightmare for me. I haven't found one that fit's both sides tight.

I'm running and Omega 21 Comp and a stock HPI 21 header.
 
When i still ran the maxx i used to go through quite a few on the FR18. Not sure of the cause.
 
That is a hard call. I would check a couple of things first. Make sure that there aren't any small metal burs on the header or the engine exhaust hole. I know that the chrome plating on the Savage header can start to crack and this might create enough friction to catch on the gasket and eventually tear it due to all the vibration.

I would also suggest putting on 2 exhaust springs instead of one. Maybe you should pick up some new ones, b/c your old ones might not have enough tension to keep the header firmly in place. Once again, alot of vibration of metal on silicone will eventually make it tear.

The last thing I can suggest is to spray the silicone gasket w/ WD-40 before you put it on. This will help it slide onto the engine better and also let the header slide on evenly w/out bending or crimping it.

That's all I can guess, maybe others might a better suggestion.
 
Any idea which gasket works best? I need to make an order to tower anyway...

I was using 2 springs, the gasket I had on was sloppy on the exhaust port but fit snug in the header. I don't think I pinched it, but maybe I did. I can't imagine I pinched the past 3 though.

I'm running a 4 shock setup so I have plenty of room to get at it without damaging anything.
 
Sorry, I don't have any suggestions as to which one would work best. I actually checked tower, and the only gaskets I can find (by itself - w/out the header) is from THS Racing.

I actually use their gasket on my Sirio .12 and RD Logics pipe. However, I am using the bigger .15 gasket and squeezed it on to give a tighter seal.

Here is the link to their .21 gasket, you get 2 for $5:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCPX7&P=7

Here is an idea I just thougt of, I don't know how good it will be but here it is anyway. You can put the new gasket onto the Omega, then place a small bead of RTV RED Silicone around it to help give a tighter seal. Or you can simply try the RTV RED Silicone all by itself. The red stuff is good to 650'F and is supposed to be designed to replace silicone and rubber gaskets. Like I said, I don't know how it would work but it is an idea.

Later...
 
Thanks, but those are like the one I've tried. I think they would be sloppy on both the port and in the header. I checked them against these: HPI HeaderGasket and the dimensions are off on both counts, inner and outer.

I think I'm going to give these: OFNA Gasket The inner is smaller and the outer is larger than the HPI ones. Maybe they will work. Either way, the closest I've got are the HPI ones, but they are a little sloppy on the exhaust port.
 
I think those Ofna one's will probably work best for you. It sounds like they will give you a tighter fit on the engine and the header. They are definitely worth a shot. Good luck w/ them.
 
I also agree with Digital Liquid on the RTV red. Someone at the local track who had the same problem started using it, and swears by it.
 
olds97_lss said:
Any idea which gasket works best? I need to make an order to tower anyway...

I was using 2 springs, the gasket I had on was sloppy on the exhaust port but fit snug in the header. I don't think I pinched it, but maybe I did. I can't imagine I pinched the past 3 though.

I'm running a 4 shock setup so I have plenty of room to get at it without damaging anything.
Click to expand...

Olds did this dilemna happen to you when you were using only single spring? Perhaps it is the dual spring that's creating the problem for you. I have had my original gasket on my 21BB, have disassembled my engine at least a dozen times but I have yet to ruin one header gasket. The header does have a little 'play' when it is on, it does not have to be snug tight.

:2cents:
 
Tried with only one then with two. There are three annoyances with this problem.
1. Oil leaks all over and makes a mess
2. Plugging the exhaust tip with your finger and pulling the pullstart doesn't prime it.
3. Tuning is a PITA since I have a constant air pressure problem.

I think my problem is the omega exhaust port is smaller than other exhaust ports.

I ordered the gaskets I posted about this morning. Time will tell...
 
Looking at your 3 statments, I would definitely say she is giving you some problems. Hopefully the new gaskets will work out for you. If not, then last resort would be RTV Silicone.

Anyway, once you get it fixed I would assume you should see some more power being pumped out of her. Keep us updated.
 
i had the same problem when I upgraded to the .26 Picco. The gasket that came with it is not as thick as the original. I am currently running with the stock purple gasket with a stock 21bb header and the ribbed SS pipe. The fit is soooo much better.
 
hb1111 said:
get new engine!!!
Click to expand...

Give me a new engine...

Believe me, I plan on it when it dies. Unfortunatly, I've got about 3 gallons through it and it still has a ton of pinch left in it. In most cases, this is a good thing.

When I do change, it probably won't be until next year, then I'm going to probalby get the XTM 24.7.
 
This OFNA Gasket works like a charm. I ran over a quart through it yesterday and it's still perfect.

It's a little longer than the HPI gasket, but that gives it a little more cushion between the lip of the header and the engine block.
 

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