Tricks for sealing copper gasket between header and head?

[XH29N0G]

I just removed the header for swapping out my starter.  The folks who put the header on used a Mr. gasket Copper gasket.  I believe it is reusable.  In removing it, I also noticed that the gasket did not seal properly on a number of the exhaust ports.  Are there specific tricks that people use to make sure they seal well?

Thanks

[A383Wing]

one of the many issues with headers......sounds like the header flange is bent to me

[cudaken]

My self, I would buy new ones. Not like they are $80.00, or are they now

In removing it, I also noticed that the gasket did not seal properly on a number of the exhaust ports. 

Where they leaking, making ticking sound?  Or was the alignment off and just discolored the gasket?

Cuda Ken

[XH29N0G]

I was just looking into buying replacements.  I think I will go that route. 

They did not make any noticeable ticking noise, I can see two places where they leaked, but they were not big leaks.   

[Cooter]

I see typically problems at the center Siamese ports. Design flaw. Too much heat.

[Dino]

Ditch the copper gaskets and get Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets.  Put a dab of permatex ultra copper on each bolt/stud and retorque 2-3 times after a few short runs.

[Charger-Bodie]

Ditch the copper gaskets and get Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets.  Put a dab of permatex ultra copper on each bolt/stud and retorque 2-3 times after a few short runs.

[jlatessa]

Sometimes the header flange can be cut in 2 places on both sides,
i.e. between #1 & 3/5 & between 3/5 & 7 to relieve any restriction to
the flanges conforming to the head.

Joe

[flyinlow]

Ditch the copper gaskets and get Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets.  Put a dab of permatex ultra copper on each bolt/stud and retorque 2-3 times after a few short runs.

I have had good results with the Percy gaskets.

[XH29N0G]

Thank you all.  I put the car back together yesterday and (so far) all seems to be sealed up.  I ended up using the copper gaskets because that is what I had ordered last week.  I don't plan on testing this again until the weather warms up (probably) a few months, but if we have a warmer day, I'll try it.

Today, I am back to work on the dash cluster.