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Header Gaskets blown..

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minigiant

RC Newbie
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I keep blowing out header gaskets between the crankcase and header. Anyone have any ideas why? I am tired of cleaning nitro oil off the aft end of my car every Saturday halfway through racing because the gasket lets go in the middle of the heats....
 
You could try stacking 2 together, dont overtighten but make sure its tight and check your temps often. Too hot and they dry out faster and become brittle. Thus, they disintigrate.

Other than that, I can't think of why they would go soooo often. I rarely end up changing mine.
 
Try using two like Christian recomended.

Also, if that doesn't do it, try a little rtv-silicone.
Just lightly spread some on with your fingers, you dont want to use too much. I use it on most of mine, and I've never had a problem.

If that doesn't work, maybe try making your own out of a thicker gasket materal.
 
What kind of gasket is it? Is a round exhaust port that sticks out and the header goes over it or a skinny rectangle one that the header bolts flush too?
 
It's kind of hard to double up that kind. You wouldn't get a good seal. Are you maybe pinching it while putting it together? Are your header springs not tight enough to keep it from vibrating while it's running? Either of these things would cause it to go out sooner than later. I use Gener Silicones head gaskets on my 21 maxx. I haven't had to replace one in over a gallon. The one I did replace was due to me tearing it while installing it.
 
dont you have a problem stripping plastic out christian? and your telling this guy to not overtighten??? :smart:
 
Stripping the plastic out?

If you put too tight a spring on, it seems to eat away the ring that rests on the backplate side. You want it tight though.

As for doubling up, if he keeps blowing through them, its sounds like there is space to fill to me. Only because hes going through so many. Those two parts vibrate violently, and the slop can allow it to rub horribly if its not a snug fit IMO. Depending on the header make/size and gasket thickness, it could be possible.

I'm just tossing grenades at a problem I havent encountered. Not on that scale anyhow.

For all I know, it could all be wrong.
 
i dont no much about you guys headers i have one that bolts on I've seen those circular ones with the spings on em, i dont care for em much, but the first time i took my header off the gasket was so thin i snapped it in half and just ran with out it(that pretty much 3/4 of my engines life) and never had a problem no leaks. i was looking at my friends with the spring and thir gaskets are way different, so i wouildnt suggest goin with out one lol, and i dont think they should relly blow out that easy, check out the exhaust port for any obscuritys.................wow i can't belive i just typed that word(dont ask what it mean) so there you go buddy i dont no what to tell ya
 
thanks everyone...after some thought and looking at the car for awhile, I think Christian might be on the right track...maybe not so much from vibration cutting the gasket but me constantly glancing off the walls on exit and pushing the whole exhaust assembly around is cutting the gaskets...who knew that bad piloting would create so many unique and varying challenges. :hehe:
 
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