Copper header gaskets?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by littleredtoy, Jul 20, 2007.

  1. littleredtoy

    littleredtoy Seth

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2002
    Messages:
    4,050
    Likes Received:
    15
    Trophy Points:
    162
    Location:
    North Carolina, Triangle Area
    Vehicle:
    '74 Comet GT
    Has anyone had any experiences with copper header gaskets?
    I had a slight header leak on one side. I replaced the old Hooker paper/fiber gasket with a copper gasket. I torqued the &*#! out
    of the bolts, but now I have a bigger leak. This is at the flange/heads.
    Do they need to get hot and retorque them afterwards?

    These are 6901's.

    Seth
     
  2. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2002
    Messages:
    11,256
    Likes Received:
    67
    Trophy Points:
    298
    Location:
    Grand Bay, Alabama
    Vehicle:
    Three 71 Maverick Grabbers, a 72 302 Sprint, a 73 LDO 2door parts car, a 76 silver v8 Stallion.
    That's what I'm running on mine...no problems. Never retorqued them either.
     
  3. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2002
    Messages:
    5,235
    Likes Received:
    52
    Trophy Points:
    146
    Location:
    West Central IL
    Vehicle:
    Stallion, 72 Grabber, Sprint, 77 4dr Maverick
    I have the copper exhaust gaskets on my stallion. Sounds like you crushed the gasket. Once crushed, they are junk and need to be replaced.They need to be snugged, and rechecked often, but over tightening ruins them.
    Dan
     
  4. littleredtoy

    littleredtoy Seth

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2002
    Messages:
    4,050
    Likes Received:
    15
    Trophy Points:
    162
    Location:
    North Carolina, Triangle Area
    Vehicle:
    '74 Comet GT
    Figures!



    I guess I ape-wrenched them.
     
  5. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2002
    Messages:
    5,235
    Likes Received:
    52
    Trophy Points:
    146
    Location:
    West Central IL
    Vehicle:
    Stallion, 72 Grabber, Sprint, 77 4dr Maverick
    naaa,, you just bruised the banana,, ape wrenching snaps the header bolt off in the head.
    Dan
     
  6. RabidCustoms

    RabidCustoms sic minds demand sic toys

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    1,394
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    117
    that does not sound fun!
     
  7. ford84stepside

    ford84stepside Lone Wolf

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2004
    Messages:
    4,038
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    132
    Location:
    Berry Alabama
    Vehicle:
    1947 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe
    I've got one on my old 84 pickup. It was bad about blowing the gasket about every six months. Put it on that side and it's been there a couple of years now, got to get around to replacing the other side one of these days. I just tightened it up normally, nothing extra.
     

Share This Page