Pontiac Solstice Forum - View Single Post - Clear Image Headers/Cat installed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chemist

Well, I'm a bit bummed. I was checking my work this afternoon after class and heard a telltale "pft-pft-pft" from the engine bay. I've got an exhaust leak at the header/converter junction on the side next to the block. I fear I have over-tightened and blown the aluminum gasket. I've got an email in to Dan to ask his advice. I'll post again when I hear back from him.

I still love these items, just wish I had not (apparently) blown the gasket.

The manual calls for 37 lb ft on those nuts; if you tightened them evenly, going around several times, the gasket should be ok. I have the original style gasket they provided; I checked the manual after in installed the header, and set my torque wrench for 30, then 35, then 37 lb ft for each time around, and the leak was gone.
Also, the nuts that hold the manifold to the head are supposed to have 10 lb ft, and there is a tightening patten that starts in the middle and alternates side-side and top-bottom.

__________________
Deep, steel/sand, loaded except standard radio and no smoker's; #08974
Mods: Kappasphere CAI, Clear Image Shorty Header, second horn, visor decals, mudflaps, tonneau cover, brake light flasher, trailer hitch, 'lil Chromies, trunk monkey

	WintR Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Florissant, MO	Quote: Originally Posted by Chemist Well, I'm a bit bummed. I was checking my work this afternoon after class and heard a telltale "pft-pft-pft" from the engine bay. I've got an exhaust leak at the header/converter junction on the side next to the block. I fear I have over-tightened and blown the aluminum gasket. I've got an email in to Dan to ask his advice. I'll post again when I hear back from him. I still love these items, just wish I had not (apparently) blown the gasket. The manual calls for 37 lb ft on those nuts; if you tightened them evenly, going around several times, the gasket should be ok. I have the original style gasket they provided; I checked the manual after in installed the header, and set my torque wrench for 30, then 35, then 37 lb ft for each time around, and the leak was gone. Also, the nuts that hold the manifold to the head are supposed to have 10 lb ft, and there is a tightening patten that starts in the middle and alternates side-side and top-bottom. __________________ Deep, steel/sand, loaded except standard radio and no smoker's; #08974 Mods: Kappasphere CAI, Clear Image Shorty Header, second horn, visor decals, mudflaps, tonneau cover, brake light flasher, trailer hitch, 'lil Chromies, trunk monkey