Headers gasket seal?
 

Any one using or used in the past some sealers at the header flange and heads?
If yes... what? Something that takes heat, I also need to use some at the tail/header clamped connection besides just the standard silver gaskets.
Thx

P

i've used high temp rtv on header gaskets before with no issues and for steel shim gaskets i use the copper spray to ensure a good seal, fills any type of voids in the gasket

i have had the best luck with using cheap gaskets, soaking them in water, mounting, then running up to temperature.

they expand in the water, conform when torqued down, and harden up when hot.

Might sound stupid, something I picked up years ago when putting together half assed motors to go drag racing.

Not saying your half assed, I was, but I learned this from an older racer and it worked. So I still do it.

If you bought used headers run a straight edge across the mounting flange, if they are warped you might think about getting the flanges milled to prevent future headaches in that area. At the tail end it sounds like they were overtightened & bent you might try a brass drift & a hammer to straighten the flange. If new I would send em back & request another set that is straight ,my .02

You should not need to use any sealer on exhaust gaskets. The should crush and seal fine. If they don't, one of the flanges is out of spec.

Just routine maintenance. My headers, no warpings, just some scratches I put on the heads/flanges while taking off old gaskets/headers. Just need some sealers. I know many Merc. techs uses them. Specially at the tubes/clamped connection. THe little circle gaskets are not thick enough.
THx
P

I cut my circles out of bulk material. Pick your thickness. 4 gaskets for less than the price of 1 from Merc.

When it comes to this I really like the Merc graphite header gaskets. They may be extra but they seal really well.

If using paper gaskets I'll use red RTV sometimes, others I just leave it dry. I like the RTV if I have it laying around because the paper bakes itself onto the head and it's very difficult to scrape off. That's also why I like the Merc graphite gaskets, they seal but don't stick.

Thanks for all the comments and oppinions. Can some one just answer my question? RE: SEALANT!!!
I got planty gaskets, I don't want to re-invent the wheel, just looking for a seal product. May be Locktite 5900 ?
Thx

I use Permatex Ultra Copper. It was recommended by Pacesetter the manufacturer of the headers for my truck. I had a broken bolt and I didn't want to pull the head. So far 8 months and no leaks. I used it on the header side of my boat engine, that's typically where it leaks anyway.