Header Gaskets

[Laga]

I’m having one of those times where it’s one thing after another. Got my 05 back after having some transmission work done and the car was running like shit. It was throwing two codes, P0196 & P0198. Both banks running rich. Did a lot of searching, and things pointed to upstream O2 sensors. Checked with Forscan and values were way off. Replaced sensors and didn’t help.
After more searching, I found it might be exhaust leak. Sensors are reading lean so ECM is dumping fuel to compensate and causing it to be rich.
I taped off both tailpipes, and had wife blow air from compressor into exhaust while I sprayed soapy water on header gaskets. Got bubbles on both sides.
Shop I deal with says at least a month wait. I originally installed the headers 9 years ago when I added SC. Had another shop do work on it 5 years ago. They butchered a bunch of stuff when they reassembled things. They were the ones who last touched headers.

 

[JC SSP]

What gaskets did you use?

 

[DieHarder]

If they disconnected the O2's any chance they could have switched sides when they reconnected them?

 

[86GT351]

For a 4.6 or the modular 5.0 ALWAYS use OE gaskets

 

[Laga]

I ordered Kooks gaskets. They held up great until they were replaced with OEM.

 

[Laga]

If they disconnected the O2's any chance they could have switched sides when they reconnected them?

One of first things I tried. I was hearing ticking sounds on both sides and thought it was the injectors. There wasn’t a high amount of psi pressure in the exhaust to cause the bubbles.
I just turned 70 and not sure I’m up to job. Going to pull one side of wheel well liners to check access.

 

[JC SSP]

I use Kooks aluminum header gaskets PY-8023A-AL

 

[StockishS197]

Use the OEM MLS gaskets. Cheap, available and high quality.

 

[Midlife Crises]

I use the Kooks aluminum gaskets and Hi-Temp silicone on both sides. Worked great for 10 years. Installed a new set of headers a couple years ago and used the same gaskets. Still working fine with no leaks.

 

[whitmanink]

I use the Kooks aluminum gaskets and Hi-Temp silicone on both sides. Worked great for 10 years. Installed a new set of headers a couple years ago and used the same gaskets. Still working fine with no leaks.

i have them on my engine,,
they are great..
i dont have another kooks passenger side gasket so im gonna use the ones that came with my ebay headers, and im just gonna use high temp sealant on both sides and im sure it will hold,,

if not i have ss hardware on my headers and my bolts came out so easy , that if i had to replace it in the car , id have zero issues

 

[Laga]

I know a lot of guys like to use sealant on headers. The problem is the headers can easily become 2X as hot as the highest temperatures the sealant is rated for. Also, avoid using copper based products on aluminum. They don’t like each other.
I ordered the Kooks aluminum gaskets and if instructions say install dry, I will do that. The ones on the car now that failed were OEM.
Thanks for the input.

 

[JC SSP]

I actually used hi-temp spray copper seal on my Kooks... so far zero issues and they have been on there for close to 10 years. The only thing I did was do a re-torque/tighten after a few thousand miles after initial install but that's it.

 

[Laga]

I actually used hi-temp spray copper seal on my Kooks... so far zero issues and they have been on there for close to 10 years. The only thing I did was do a re-torque/tighten after a few thousand miles after initial install but that's it.

When I was changing spark plugs. I looked into high temp anti-sieze and discovered that copper and aluminum can cause galvanic corrosion over time. It`s best to avoid if possible.

 

[Midlife Crises]

When I was changing spark plugs. I looked into high temp anti-sieze and discovered that copper and aluminum can cause galvanic corrosion over time. It`s best to avoid if possible.

Any dissimilar metals contacting each other can cause galvanic corrosion if an electrolyte is present to carry current. The further apart the metals are on the galvanic scale the more reactive they are with each other. Spark plugs are zinc plated steel, screwed into an aluminum head. The zinc is lower on the galvanic scale so it gives itself up first, if there is something to complete the circuit. Moisture in the air can do that.

 

[JC SSP]

Not looking to argue with anyone about metallurgy or chemical reactions… but all engines have a mixture of different metals (steel bolts, iron blocks & manifolds, aluminum heads, etc.)

Example 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is equipped with a 5.4L supercharged V8 engine featuring a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads.

 

[Kev555]

When I was changing spark plugs. I looked into high temp anti-sieze and discovered that copper and aluminum can cause galvanic corrosion over time. It`s best to avoid if possible.

I use ceramic grease on my plugs threads and haven't seen any issues yet but I do inspect them once every year anyways just to be on the safe side of anything seizing up. Copper grease is great for small studs and bolts around areas in vehicles which are prone to rusting. sump guards or splash guards are a prime example which need removed for servicing etc frequently. I don't apply any sealers etc to manifolds or header gaskets, I've never had any issues but I've always used quality gasket sets. I can also see that in recent years there's a lot of sub par gaskets on the market that makes our jobs that little more tricky now.

 

[Midlife Crises]

Not looking to argue with anyone about metallurgy or chemical reactions… but all engines have a mixture of different metals (steel bolts, iron blocks & manifolds, aluminum heads, etc.)

Example 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is equipped with a 5.4L supercharged V8 engine featuring a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads.

You are absolutely right about all the different metals. The electrolyte is the coolant circulating in there touching all the different metals. Engine coolant has chemicals in it that plate the surface of everything it touches and prevents the electron flow from one metal to the other. You can have a brass radiator, an iron block and aluminum heads and get away with it as long as the chemicals in the coolant do there job. Dump the coolant out and refill the system with distilled water and see what happens. The metal that is lowest on the galvanic scale will corrode rapidly.

 

[whitmanink]

for the record ,,
my kooks gaskets i put on dry (zero gasket maker) ,, and had zero problem,