SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: The Chaz on June 03, 2008, 06:52:34 PM

Title: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 03, 2008, 06:52:34 PM
This is my first time installing headers...  so do I need special bolts, doesn't look like my studs will work.  Also is the metal side of the gasket supposed to go against the header or the block?  If I need bolts where is a good source to get them fast?
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: Ralph Brunt on June 03, 2008, 07:17:11 PM
This is my first time installing headers...  so do I need special bolts, doesn't look like my studs will work.  Also is the metal side of the gasket supposed to go against the header or the block?  If I need bolts where is a good source to get them fast?
no studs, get the SS allen heads from home depot. use anti seize.
dont know about the gasket, mine dont have metal. lay them on the head and match the holes up, easy to get them flipped the wrong way and block some of the port
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: crewchief22 on June 03, 2008, 08:01:00 PM
Normally header gaskets are make out of the thick paper type material.  I haven't had good luck getting headers to seal on the stock metal/fiber type gaskets.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 03, 2008, 08:04:52 PM
Do I need to order gaskets for headers?  The ones I got came from the Fel Pro kit from Summit.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: Ralph Brunt on June 03, 2008, 08:17:55 PM
Do I need to order gaskets for headers?  The ones I got came from the Fel Pro kit from Summit.
just put the ones you have in for now, but bring the other set to parker you may need them. i blow out header gaskets from time to time, so i keep extras
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 03, 2008, 09:16:45 PM
Bassett reccomends putting RTV on the gasket to help seal it.  Has anyone tried this?  Would you use the black kind?
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: slow67 on June 03, 2008, 09:17:29 PM
Bassett reccomends putting RTV on the gasket to help seal it.  Has anyone tried this?  Would you use the black kind?

Use the copper-based orange RTV.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: crewchief22 on June 03, 2008, 09:18:39 PM
I use a little of the Permatex Ultra-Copper
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 03, 2008, 09:27:23 PM
Now I'm thinking to just run my logs and snails for Parker.  I need to break in my cam and messing with water set up seems a bit much.  Hopefully it will run OK because I had the cam made for an engine with headers. :banghead:
I think I will make the change after then next gasket blows. I go thru a few each season too.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: GT Jets on June 03, 2008, 09:49:43 PM
ARP makes an extremely nice set of header bolts with "E" clip retained tear washers so they dont back out. I use copper gaskets and ultra copper, but a little $$$$$ but on the other hand have had them off three times, same gaskets and no leaks.

Also had my headers flange surface milled besause Stevie Wonder welded them with Ray Charles assisting. (RIP)
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: stc315 on June 05, 2008, 12:42:28 PM
metal side goes toward heads. run the engine through a complete heat cycle and then retorque the header bolts after cool down. I followed this and no leaks or loose bolts. I plan to run copper when I change headers, but the paper/metal gasket came with the rebuild kit so I used them.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 05, 2008, 12:58:26 PM
Metal side against head "looks" backwards" The attached flat part has to go up across the spark plug holes for it to fit this way.  I put it against the logs ::) and bought copper gaskets today for next time.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: stc315 on June 05, 2008, 01:09:25 PM
oh sh** went out and looked at mine and metal is against header! I said it wrong doh!  :banghead: This is what the builder told me, metal against header. I just had a brain fart in previous post! Meds must be kickin in.
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 05, 2008, 01:32:49 PM
Meds must be kickin in.

 >:D  O0  >:D
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: AQUAHOLIC on June 05, 2008, 02:54:50 PM
your gaskets should only fit on one way and it wont matter what side faces the block and what side faces the header. both gaskets will be the same one has to be reversed to fit the other side. I used the copper rth with mine when installing them. i got chrome allen bolts from fastenal and i got compression washers to make sure they dont rattle lose. i have not fired the motor up yet with the new exhaust set up. but i dont expect any problems
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: crewchief22 on June 05, 2008, 07:01:49 PM
i have not fired the motor up yet with the new exhaust set up. but i dont expect any problems

Nobody ever does!
Title: Re: Header installation question
Post by: The Chaz on June 05, 2008, 10:30:22 PM
Nobody ever does!

 ;D  >:D  ;D
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