Sorry guys, another header/gasket question please....

[K9COP]

OK, so the old trooper 440 in my '69/70 has started to sound a little 'fluffy' as if the exhaust manifold is leaking. Sure enough, the nearest two or three bolts to the bulkhead on the left side had worked a little loose.

I bought copper gaskets from the local parts store (Advanced) on their advice as the 'better' option.

I tightened the rear three bolts on the existing gasket and it improved it a little, but for sure I think it needs new gaskets.

I went to start the job and loosened the front manifold bolt on the drivers side and to my English surprise, I got coolant coming out.

Now, research (which should have been done before starting the job) suggests that this is normal, although it is still, to me, a spectacularly bad design.

I've not actually managed to find a definitive procedure for changing the gaskets, but have now, after much searching on here, bought Percy's aluminium gaskets.

Question please, do I need to add any sort of thread lock/sealer to the bolts and is the 20lbs/ft I found in the archives still the agreed torque for the bolts?

I feel like such a newbie with the questions but will someone please talk me down off the 'someone used too long manifold bolts and punched through to the water jacket' ledge I'm on??

Thanks guys,

K9

[XH29N0G]

Some of the studs in the stock heads I have (that came from the factory) also intersect the cooling jacket. My understanding is that this is part of their design.  I can check which ones if you like, but I think you may have found the main ones.  I don't know if some sort of sealant, threadlock is recommended but someone on here will know. 

I switched a little over a year ago (maybe 2) to Percy's crushable aluminum (aluminium is more like the suffix on other elements ) and have not had the typical issues (problems sealing - I have headers - or blown gaskets).  So I think they work well for me.

[K9COP]

Thanks for the reply. Puts my mind at rest a little! 

Car has Hooker headers on it..

K9

[Ghoste]

I've used sealant on mine but I couldn't tell you if its correct or not.

[K9COP]

On the bolts?
K9

[c00nhunterjoe]

I have no sealant on mine, standard felpro header gaskets for about 12 years with no leaks.

[BSB67]

Put some RTV on the bolt threads and be done with it.

[suburbanfireman]

RTV on the bolts and make sure they are tight.  Nothing worse than a header bolt coming out while going down the track (with slicks) - coolant is very slippery.  Don't ask how I know! 

[Dino]

You've got the correct gaskets, now get some Permatex ultra copper.  Drain some of the coolant so there's no more coming out when you remove the bolts.  Let it dry out for a while.  Put a dab of copper on the studs and seat them.  Let it sit overnight and torque the bolts.  Top the coolant and go for a drive until the headers are hot, let them cool and retorque.  Done.

[K9COP]

Got it guys, thank you. I should point out that mine are not leaking coolant, yet, I just wanted to be sure.

I'll update when I've got the new gaskets in.

Thanks,

K9