Header Gasket??

OGMB2K

Most of us are running some aftermarket header, therefore what is being used as a gasket for them? Can the old one be re-used if it not leaking?

Thanks

MazdaMitch

I've never experienced it myself but it has been said several times that the ones that come with the header end up burning up or just breaking up and disintegrating so what I do is use the stock metal gasket with a little bit of that orange high temp RTV on it, just a little finger dressing a skim coat.

Axel-Breaker-Earl

YES! ^^^^ As Mitch has stated. Use the stock metal exhaust manifold gasket. I have never used any RTV on them, but it may keep it from leaking.

I found a Pacesetter header in a JY truck once, and installed it on my Red Regular Cab truck (still on there) with a stock metal gasket......and it leaked pretty good! Pulled it off and checked the flanges for flatness.......it weren't flat!!

I clamped it into my workbench vise and started dragging a large flat bastard file over the flanges.......it was easy to see how much they were out. Kept at it and flattened the flange right out! Doesn't leak a bit now!

After pulling it back off the first time......reckon it was leaking?

Started to file it flat.....

It took the higher areas down some and worked like a charm!