header gasket

[fryedaddy]

 i bought some new header gaskets and installed them,but when i fired it up,it has a bad leak.i removed the header and noticed the hole in the gasket didnt line up with the ridge on the header mounting surface. the exhaust holes in the gaskets are too big.the ridge on the header flange mates with the gasket on the top and sides,but the bottom of the gasket hole they dont touch the header flange ridge.the gasket hole drops below the header ridge and dont mate up on the bottom side causing a leak out the bottom of the header flange.if you hold the gasket up to the head exhaust,all the bolt holes line up and the exhaust hole lines up on the top and sides but on the bottom the gasket is 1/4 inch below the hole causing the header flange to miss the gasket ??

[fryedaddy]

its on a 428 cj heads,16 bolt holes

[Drew Pojedinec]

Have you ever tried just using red rtv? 
I have three engines that I've done this with and never a leak.

Only annoying part is a cleanup if you have to detach one.

[Heo]

I have Said it before.I only use silicone
And had not had a leak since i started
Using it

[fryedaddy]

its such a tight fit in my comet,i dont think i can get rtv on my headers unless i take them out,and i might mess it up while im wiggling my headers back in place.i flipped the gaskets upside down and the exhaust hole lines up better but i can only use the top and bottom holes on my header bolts.the side to side holes dont line up upside down.im going to fire it up friday,i will see how the gaskets work, bass ackwords

[jholmes217]

I have had good results with Remflex gaskets on my 428 Ccbra Jet.  They said to only use the top and bottom holes, except for the hole on number 5 cylinder for the dipstick tube.  No leaks so far 1 year later.

[fryedaddy]

remflex is what i used.i might have bought a defected set or something because the exhaust hole dont line up with my cj heads.

[e philpott]

remflex is what i used.i might have bought a defected set or something because the exhaust hole dont line up with my cj heads.

you got the wrong port location gasket my bet  ..... they gave you the 390 GT style gasket instead of the CJ style , the port is lower ..... I like the solid copper gaskets myself with some black RTV smeared on them , never seem to leak or blow out in the last 20 years

[jholmes217]

remflex is what i used.i might have bought a defected set or something because the exhaust hole dont line up with my cj heads.

you got the wrong port location gasket my bet  ..... they gave you the 390 GT style gasket instead of the CJ style , the port is lower ..... I like the solid copper gaskets myself with some black RTV smeared on them , never seem to leak or blow out in the last 20 years

My guess also.  Call them and they will probably send you another set of gaskets free of charge.  That is what they did for me.

[fryedaddy]

remflex has so many different gaskets for the fe.you need to look at all of them before you choose.i ordered some for the 428 cj,header app,i should have ordered for beaded headers.they have a smaller exhaust hole.but anyway they are going to send me a new set free of charge.any of you guys order these gaskets from remflex,they are great quality,but be sure to check all styles out before you order.they have 7 different header gaskets for the fe,different bolt patterns and different size exhausts holes,some taller,some wider,some for beaded header flanges and some for smooth.just be sure you know what you need and look at all the different styles before ordering.

[fairlanegt427]

you have the 390 gt port gaskets  instead of the 428 longer exhaust ports.   I have put on a set of percys carbon fiber x gaskets and wow they work awesome.  been on at least 5 years and not a blowout yet.  but beware they are sharp as hell and if your using aluminum heads retighten bolts because  the tend to loosen on aluminum.