FML! Header gaskets bad!

[Trupiano]

FML! So I just got done working another loooong 12 hour shift at work, 2 weeks down, many more to go, and I realized on the way home that my truck was making a very loud ticking sound. Got louder the more I accelerated. Of course, this means exhaust leak. Checked everything and noticed a 1 inch piece of gasket missing from the mainfold. Now I have to replace both gaskets and Oreilly's and napa are closed till 9am tomorrow. And I'll prolly get called in tomorrow... almost certain. Stupid pacesetter, sent this mesh gasket crap, shoulda stayed with the stainless steel OEM gaskets. Poor judgement. Well there's my rant. Thanks for listening!

 

[Ramunit]

That sucks man because that is a time consuming exchange. I agree OEM Mopars are the best

 

[truckin151]

That sucks balls man!! That exchange is not a fun or easy task.... Good luck man.

 

[AF_Hemi]

Sucks man, but cant say you shouldnt have seen it coming... Its the recommendation of anyone who uses pacesetter headers to get mopar gaskets instead of the pacesetter crap. unfortunately, you now know why the hard way.

 

[powerhour]

That's weak man! If you get the time you should get pics of the change up and do a write up, I'm sure it will come in handy one day for people who don't know how to do it. Just an idea

 

[BEAR]

Sorry to hear that man but I guess it's like they say....Live and Learn, right? Good luck with the swap man.

 

[talon6]

remflex gaskets is what i always use. they work great.havent ever had a problem. i have even reused them before, still no leaks. i also use stage 8 locking header bolts. never had a set of headers ever leak with this combo. and never had to retighten the bolts. i also use a little neverseize on the stage 8's so i can get them back out if need be.

 

[Off_Road_Teacher]

That sucks that you have to replace them but at least you know that it will probably be the last time if you replace them with the mopar gaskets.

 

[rocket]

Fml?? Clueless, ******* mother loafers?? Huh? what is fml, and while I'm at it how about a list, these abbreveations are hard to keep up with.

 

[0212353]

fml - **** my life

 

[Trupiano]

^^ Haha it means **** My Life. Stainless steel gaskets ordered, be here tomorrow. Stage 8 locking header bolts ordered, prolly wont be here till the middle of the week. Thanks guys! Ill throw up a lil step by step as I got.

 

[talon6]

donnt forget a little neverseize on those stage 8's. you'll be glad you did if you ever want to take them off for some reason.

 

[RubberFrog]

Have fun putting the clips on the stage 8s!

 

[talon6]

Have fun putting the clips on the stage 8s!

yep, they suck. but worth it in my opinion. i took my tires off and wheel liners out. kinda made it a little easier.

 

[truckin151]

yep, they suck. but worth it in my opinion. i took my tires off and wheel liners out. kinda made it a little easier.

Not much!!!

Im going to throw the clips on them when we pull the heads later

 

[Trupiano]

Alright dudes, new gaskets and Stage 8 header bolts installed! Man it was definately worth the wait for the bolts! Torqued down bolts to about 23 ft lbs (17-19 ft/lbs is the header bolt torque), then installed the retainers and c-clips, then backed them till they touched. Never have to worry about loose headers again! Shibby!

Here's some shots!

Pacesetter LT bolts:



Stage 8 locking header bolts/new gaskets:






Removed the wheel liner/tire to assist in removal/install:


Don't forget the anti-*****!:


And... the stock Pacesetter gaskets... crap, crap, mega crap!:

 

[Trupiano]

Note: C-clips are not hard to install at all. There's maybe 2-3 total that are a lil difficult to get to, but not hard with a pair of needle-nose pliers, or some channel locks.

 

[talon6]

the stage 8 locks were a pita on my edelbrock shorties on my 360. had to even notch a couple of them to get them to work right. but they are well worth it.

glad you got it all done. hopefully you wont have anymore problems.

 

[Trupiano]

Yeah, I was reading the instruction, and they stated that for some applications, you might have to notch the bolt/retainer some to make them fit. Im glad I didn't have to.
I sure as hell hope I wont.