Adventures in header gasket replacement, part 1

[notfred]

Alright, well, today I decided to replace the leaker header gaskets on my car. So far I've pulled the header off the drivers side, and now I'm eating lunch. After lunch, I clean it up and put it back together.

Here's some pictures:

Driver's side of the engine, with no header

New gaskets. I know these arent the world's greatest gaskets, but they're all I could get today, and they should be fine.

Removed header - can you tell where it's leaking?

The whole engine compartment, complete with emergency reference manual

 

[notfred]

No one's interested in worknig on cars?

 

[edfcmc]

Hmm. headers are cool. Nice weekend project. However, you might consider disconnecting the battery from the auto when you work on the car. The wrench next to the battery terminals looks dangerous!

 

[geno]

I am! Just replaced the P/S Pump and the CV shafts on my baby yesterday

 

[N8Magic]

Lucky you!

That exact same project is coming up for me. My roommates and I will probably get going on that next weekend. How hard are you finding it is to do it?

 

[Ladies Man]

i just need some money my friend... and when i get it... i shall look you up for a trip to the track

 

[Brutuskend]

You might wanna put a straight edge on the header flange and make sure it's FLAT, other wise your gonna end up replacing it again very soon.

If it isn't, take it in and have it surfaced, or get a GOOD file and.........have fun!

 

[notfred]

<< Lucky you!

That exact same project is coming up for me. My roommates and I will probably get going on that next weekend. How hard are you finding it is to do it? >>



Assuming you dont break any bolts or anything (I havent) it's really pretty easy.

 

[notfred]

<< Hmm. headers are cool. Nice weekend project. However, you might consider disconnecting the battery from the auto when you work on the car. The wrench next to the battery terminals looks dangerous! >>



Bah, it's only 12 volts

 

[Antisocial Virge]

You should try it with full headers. I had to unbolt the motor mount, unbolt the header, and lift the engine on the passenger side to get the starter off my old Capri and sure enough I burned the gasket a week after that. Not a happy boy. To top it all off there was nothing wrong with the starter in the first place. :|

The vacumn advance rod into the distributor had come off the pickup allowing it to rotate at will inside the cap. Some times it would bind up on the starter and other times it would flood out. Rebuilt the carb and the starter for nothing.

 

[notfred]

<< You should try it with full headers. I had to unbolt the motor mount, unbolt the header, and lift the engine on the passenger side to get the starter off my old Capri and sure enough I burned the gasket a week after that. Not a happy boy. To top it all off there was nothing wrong with the starter in the first place. :|

The vacumn advance rod into the distributor had come off the pickup allowing it to rotate at will inside the cap. Some times it would bind up on the starter and other times it would flood out. Rebuilt the carb and the starter for nothing. >>




I'm fine with the short headers