celly
disturber of the peace
- Joined
- July 28, 2004
- Messages
- 6,841
- Reaction score
- 23
- City, State
- calgary
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 99 eb 5.0 awd
I've found bits and pieces of info out there on replacing the header gaskets used with TMH, but was hoping to put together an all inclusive thread on how to do the job. I got the headers put on in July at Jon's place in July as some will recall. The install was definitely first rate but I have found other cases where leak issues do occur.
I've done my best to tighten down all the bolts and have been doing so since the install, but there is a subtle "tick, tick, tick" coming from under the hood and I've had performance issues with the truck since the install. I get cases where it sounds like it's pinging and chugging at certain revs. I had some exhaust work done about a month ago (removed the rear cats) and the exhaust guy (whom I trust) figured there was a a leak on the driver's side gasket that connects the two pieces together (remember that drive's side is two piece while passenger side is one). He pulled out his stethoscope to come to that conclusion.
I returned home and confirmed that the ticking sound is pretty bad at that junction, but the sound seems to resonate throughout many spots in the headers. There are no obvious leak spots however (carbon deposits etc). All visible bolts are tight as can be. While it may sound like it's coming from that spot, I suspect their may be leaks elsewhere too.
I scored some Percy's gaskets as they seem to be the way to go. Rather than tackle on my own (I just don't feel comfortable doing this on my own), I'm going to pay my exhaust guy to do it. I'm going to get the Percy's installed. Bob Pasquale also sent me a variety of gaskets including the one for the junction between the two driver's side pieces.
I watched Jon remove the failed experiment at using copper gaskets and replacing them with the included gaskets so I know it can be done without removing the headers themselves. I'd really like to get some pointers on how this job can be tackled by those who have done it before (and I know there are others). With the popularity of the headers by members on this site, I'm hoping that it can be an all-inclusive thread (and maybe a sticky) to help people down the road.
Thanks in advance guys and Merry Christmas.
Brad
I've done my best to tighten down all the bolts and have been doing so since the install, but there is a subtle "tick, tick, tick" coming from under the hood and I've had performance issues with the truck since the install. I get cases where it sounds like it's pinging and chugging at certain revs. I had some exhaust work done about a month ago (removed the rear cats) and the exhaust guy (whom I trust) figured there was a a leak on the driver's side gasket that connects the two pieces together (remember that drive's side is two piece while passenger side is one). He pulled out his stethoscope to come to that conclusion.
I returned home and confirmed that the ticking sound is pretty bad at that junction, but the sound seems to resonate throughout many spots in the headers. There are no obvious leak spots however (carbon deposits etc). All visible bolts are tight as can be. While it may sound like it's coming from that spot, I suspect their may be leaks elsewhere too.
I scored some Percy's gaskets as they seem to be the way to go. Rather than tackle on my own (I just don't feel comfortable doing this on my own), I'm going to pay my exhaust guy to do it. I'm going to get the Percy's installed. Bob Pasquale also sent me a variety of gaskets including the one for the junction between the two driver's side pieces.
I watched Jon remove the failed experiment at using copper gaskets and replacing them with the included gaskets so I know it can be done without removing the headers themselves. I'd really like to get some pointers on how this job can be tackled by those who have done it before (and I know there are others). With the popularity of the headers by members on this site, I'm hoping that it can be an all-inclusive thread (and maybe a sticky) to help people down the road.
Thanks in advance guys and Merry Christmas.
Brad