Hi, i have a pretty newly rebuilt '71 406 smallblock that just wont quit springing exhaust leaks! i have had several paper gaskets fail, and me and copper DEFFINATLY dont mix. should i just gasket glue the header to the head??? how unsafe is it to drive with exhaust leaks?
thanks alot guys!

 

Is the header flange bent? I'd look there next.

 

I found that aluminum gaskets work very well for me. Before I parked my car, I had a set for 2 years and they never leaked once they had seated. It took about 4 re-tightenings before everything stayed sealed.

 

I had that prob and got some composite type header gaskets to stop form burnout. They have been on and off more than once with no probs. Also try longer bolts. Thats why I kept having leaks. Longer bolts stopped having to retighten the right rear bolts. There are also the locker bolts that you can run.

 

hmmm, how do you check if the flange is bent? i put up a straight edge to the thing, but couldnt get the right angle to really checkit...i re-tightened my bolts where it is leaking (again) and noticed that now the freaking gasket i halfway hangin out! DAMNIT! *sigh* im gonna kill whoever makes these gaskets.

 

I hear you on this exhaust leak thing..I had a leak on manifold to head on my 400 and don't even have headers..changed out gasket and now its still leaking..looks like have to pull the exhaust manifold and get it planed at machine shop..and I thought headers were a pain in the butt..!!! And its so tight and annoying in that compartment just paying shop to mess with it..they needed to use a torch just to get some of the bolts out of the manifold..not a chance could have loosened them at home..