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Header Install Help!!

donaldbc

Elite Explorer<br>ECX Member
Joined
February 20, 2001
Messages
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City, State
Richmond, VA
Year, Model & Trim Level
'97 XLT
Ok guys. I just won an ebay auction for these headers pictured below. They are EGR Headers and I have EGR on my current leaky headers. I plan on blasting these clean and the coating them with POR15 high temp black.
My next question is what all do I need to get to complete the install. I am going to get those grade 8 bolts that others have used that won't back out. I will need a gasket. Where do I order the gasket from and how do I know which headers these are? The guy that I won the auction from said that they were for 5.0 ex and mounty's. Don't I need to know this to get the correct gasket? Then I will need a new EGR valve. So does that sound like about it. Thanks for the input.
Brian
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Any 5.0L exhaust gasket would work. I used the cheap paper gaskets that came with my FRPP headers and the cheap bolts as well. 30K miles and no leaks. Just need to make sure you torque properly. Otherise, spend some green and get the stage 8 bolts and Percy's gaskets.

As for the EGR valve, you may need a new egr tube as well. Those aren't cheap at ~$45 from the dealer, but that was the problem on my wifes old 98 mountaineer. The headers were fine, but the tube was craked. Changed it out and the ticking sound was gone!
 






how hard was it to change out (egr tube I mean)
mine looks cracked and I think that could be part of the ticking. I would rather just replace the egr if I could get rid of the ticking.
Thanks
 






not to mention, my CIL is on and it is throwing out EGR codes.
 






Took ~1/2 hour. Cut the tube just above the nut, then use a socket to break the nut loose from the header.

Also, buy a 1 1/16" open end wrench and cut it short to use to tighten new nut.
 






i am not 100% sure, but i remember hearing that the Stage 8 locking bolts wont work on the cast manifolds. with that said, go with either a copper or aluminum gasket for superior leak-proofing. as mentioned, the main issue is torqing them properly and re-checking them every now and again.

there are only 2 small block Ford gaskets. square and round. you will need the square ones. these will work on any 5liter no matter what type of headers or manifolds are on it.
 






thanks for the tips guys. I think I am going to try the egr first. then if that doesn't solve the ticking I will use the headers that I bought. should I use motorcraft egr or should I go with one from autozone or advance?
Thanks. and what else will I need?
 






I am always a fan of OEM parts. I got mine from Ebay - a new crate motor take off part.
 






when I get the new egr, will it come with the tube going to the header?
Thanks
 






It is a separate part. So, you will need to order it as well. Not sure if you can get from auto parts or dealer only.
 






well this is good. I have been able to find one ford dealer here that can get me an egr tube and they want $105 for it. I have emailed Torrie and am waiting to hear back from him. I have tried Pep Boys,NAPA,Advance, and Autozone. I was hoping to get this done tommorrow, but it isn't looking good.
 






Ok well I just got a tube from a dealer here. and I bought it for $75. They sure make the replacement ones better than the one that came on my truck. Anyways I am sure Torrie would have been able to give me a better deal, but it is supposed to be 70 here tommorrow and I would rather do it tommorrow when it is warm versus freezing my hands off when it is in the 30's. Hopefully I won't run into any problems.
 






Wow, that is not cheap, but well worth it if it is your only problem. As for the job, should be fairly easy. Unbolt the EGR at the intake elbow. If you tube is as bad as mine was, you should be able to break it off - it was that rusted / brittle. If not, use a hacksaw blade and some patience. Once you get tube cut down, use a socket and oil to break the nut off the "header / manifold".
 






the damn nuts are frozen to the manifold. they are rusty and I can't get the damn thing off. Any ideas? I am really freaking out because I can't get the damn thing free.
 






PB Blaster and about an 1/2 hour to soak. if that doesnt work, heat up the joint with a low flame and she'll come off.
 






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