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

Am I truly the only one? Having installed one of the first AL gaskets last fall, since I had gone through 3 fiber gaskets already, I was hopeful this would solve the recurring problem. Sorry to say, it has not.

After several months, the AL gasket has moved sideways so much that the thru hole is now visible! Yea, it has moved 1/2 inch. I kept retightening every couple of weeks using a short open-end. Usually a couple of nuts required just a small fraction of a turn. Still the gasket kept moving sideways. The stud through holes are now much bigger!

Got to believe that there is some serious vibration at this joint. Anyway, I can only crank on the short open-end so much, so maybe not enough torque? Dan claims I must be overtightening?

So guys, help me find a solution. I suspect it might have to do with some thermal expansion problems. Thinking of releasing the bolt at the bottom of the converter, and just hanging the assembly off the headers.

Also, planning on using a hose clamp surrounding the joint, in order to keep the replacement gasket centered.

Any other suggestions would be greatly valued. This will be my fifth replacement gasket.

I do love the header though!

__________________
Very Cool and polished in summer tanning season. All but the clunk, Onstar and XM. Sol'2006: Keep that rear deck clean! VIN #(75)^2. Good to go w/ Magnaflow, The Tune, & Shorties!

	Tuxford Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles	Am I truly the only one? Having installed one of the first AL gaskets last fall, since I had gone through 3 fiber gaskets already, I was hopeful this would solve the recurring problem. Sorry to say, it has not. After several months, the AL gasket has moved sideways so much that the thru hole is now visible! Yea, it has moved 1/2 inch. I kept retightening every couple of weeks using a short open-end. Usually a couple of nuts required just a small fraction of a turn. Still the gasket kept moving sideways. The stud through holes are now much bigger! Got to believe that there is some serious vibration at this joint. Anyway, I can only crank on the short open-end so much, so maybe not enough torque? Dan claims I must be overtightening? So guys, help me find a solution. I suspect it might have to do with some thermal expansion problems. Thinking of releasing the bolt at the bottom of the converter, and just hanging the assembly off the headers. Also, planning on using a hose clamp surrounding the joint, in order to keep the replacement gasket centered. Any other suggestions would be greatly valued. This will be my fifth replacement gasket. I do love the header though! __________________ Very Cool and polished in summer tanning season. All but the clunk, Onstar and XM. Sol'2006: Keep that rear deck clean! VIN #(75)^2. Good to go w/ Magnaflow, The Tune, & Shorties!