need help with 440 headers

[Red R/T]

Ok, stupid question.  never fooled with Mopar motors so I have a quesion.  do the exhaust manifold/header bolts go through a water jacket in the head.  do you have to drain coolant before taking the headers off.     i have a exhaust leak on the drivers side and want to replace the gasket.  the car has headman shorty headers and i can't stand listening to that hissing leak.  thanks for any help, Chuck

[MrMopar440]

Unfortunatley,  yes. You don't have to drain the coolant necessarily though. I have done it both ways. You still end up losing some when you pull the bolts. But there is hope (so I have heard) if you step up the the new aluminum ones.  Blind Holes! One of these days...

[Red R/T]

thanks for the quick response.  now i guess i get busy and try to get this done today.  gotta love old muscle cars.  the fun never ends 

[redfastback]

small blocks have just the end 2 bolts going into water jackets.  big blocks have all bolts going into water jackets.  this is for stock heads only not eddys.  i'm not sure about mp heads though.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Just be sure to clean the bolts up and use a thread sealant when you re-install them.


  Mike

[Red R/T]

Mike, what kind of thread sealant should I use?  Chuck

[ViperMan]

Grey RTV.  Any auto parts store - the tube will say something in relation to "for water systems" - something like that.

[Red R/T]

i picked up some white high temp loc-tite sealer, hope that works.  Had to order the gasket from a performance shop today, will be here tomorrow so i guess i finish then.  thanks for all the help, chuck

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Chuck,

  I've used both of these. They are both white in color.


  Mike

[Red R/T]

Thanks Mike, it's actually permatex white that I have.  Tomorrow I struggle with trying to get the gasket squeezed through a small gap between the headr and head.  Wish me luck and lots of patience..   
Chuck

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Thanks Mike, it's actually permatex white that I have.  Tomorrow I struggle with trying to get the gasket squeezed through a small gap between the headr and head.  Wish me luck and lots of patience..   
Chuck

I know your pain.   

[Red R/T]

Ok, got it back together but now a small leak towards the front.     I'll try to retorque te bolts as soon as it cools down.  Kinda hard to get much hoodoo with a little 7/16 wrench. I may have to find a cheater bar.  All in all it does sound much better but you know how it goes, as long as it's not perfect it will drive you crazy.    Thanks for all the help Mike.   
Chuck 

[The Cuda Guy]

A header gasket leak will drive you crazy, I had one for a while, at first I thought it was a lifter knock!  Replaced all of those.  So finnaly decide to suck it up and ask Neil what he thought and he tells me header gasket and sure enough there it was!!!

Don

[Red R/T]

you are up late Don.  hope things are well with you over there.  I'll be back there in a couple of months (DoD contractor).  Retired while I was at FC/5th SFG.  Spent 18 years there and lved every minute.  Great place.  Anyway, stay safe and thanks for serving.  Chuck in CT

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I know what you mean about trying to tighten the bolts with a puny wrench. I was lucky enough to find a longer variety on E-Bay, that I could use a hammer on to get tighter.   



   Mike