exhaust headers leaking

njk53 · 09-09-2009, 07:13 PM

We have a BB Chevy and also use Hooker Super Comps. Hooker is known for ill fitting poor sealing headers. You have to remember they are mass produced so the attention to detail is lacking.

Take a straight edge and check the flange as suggested in the other post. If you have more than a few millimeters of daylight between the straight edge and the flange I would consider sending them back to Hooker. Also check for cracks in the welds/tube.

If they are an older set, what we do is we use the Fel-Pro high performance header gaskets. Make sure the gaskets are new. We also put an 1/8 in. bead of Permatex Ultra Copper silicone around the header tube/cylinder head interface on both sides of the gasket. Usually we stick the gasket to the cylinder head and then mount the header. You can also put a dab of silicone sealant on the header bolt to help keep them from loosening. Tighten them down snug but don't go overboard. Don't start the motor until the silicone is fully cured. Preferably overnight. The job can be a little messy but it all wipes off when the headers are tightened down. It works well for us. It is an economical fix and worth a try.

09-09-2009, 07:13 PM	#4
njk53 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: East China, MI Posts: 504 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: exhaust headers leaking We have a BB Chevy and also use Hooker Super Comps. Hooker is known for ill fitting poor sealing headers. You have to remember they are mass produced so the attention to detail is lacking. Take a straight edge and check the flange as suggested in the other post. If you have more than a few millimeters of daylight between the straight edge and the flange I would consider sending them back to Hooker. Also check for cracks in the welds/tube. If they are an older set, what we do is we use the Fel-Pro high performance header gaskets. Make sure the gaskets are new. We also put an 1/8 in. bead of Permatex Ultra Copper silicone around the header tube/cylinder head interface on both sides of the gasket. Usually we stick the gasket to the cylinder head and then mount the header. You can also put a dab of silicone sealant on the header bolt to help keep them from loosening. Tighten them down snug but don't go overboard. Don't start the motor until the silicone is fully cured. Preferably overnight. The job can be a little messy but it all wipes off when the headers are tightened down. It works well for us. It is an economical fix and worth a try. __________________ Nelson Kowal Stock 345