6.2 Header gasket

[Anthony k]

hello.

Buying a 2011 that has headers on it. Has a exhaust leak at the head. Can hear the tick. Clearly on the drivers side.

How hard is it to get to the drivers side and change gasket?
I have no idea what brand headers they are, could not get that far in to see. (Have not taken possession yet) I have a well equipped garage. But DAMN just looking at it, it looks tight as hell!

Without knowing the header brand, what should I do about gasket?

 

[Sozzy12]

Could you tell if they used studs or bolts?

 

[Anthony k]

The one tube I could see was bolts

 

[EricM]

I'd replace the bolts with SS studs and nuts. Use antisieze in the head.

 

[RangerRob]

Drivers side is fairly easy. Less headache and cussing. Its the passenger side that is difficult. Passenger side requires removal of the starter and engine mount. Once those are out of the way the engine has to be jacked up to get the header in and out. None of that is needed for the drivers side. Although it does help to pull the front driveshaft for more room to work.

 

[Anthony k]

Drivers side is fairly easy. Less headache and cussing. Its the passenger side that is difficult. Passenger side requires removal of the starter and engine mount. Once those are out of the way the engine has to be jacked up to get the header in and out. None of that is needed for the drivers side. Although it does help to pull the front driveshaft for more room to work.

Excellent. That’s what i wanted to hear.

 

[beemerman]

mine are stainless works, at that time they sent high temp silicone. mine have been on since 2011 no leaks yet.

 

[Anthony k]

mine are stainless works, at that time they sent high temp silicone. mine have been on since 2011 no leaks yet.

I finally kinda climbed in the wheel well last night. Can see the MLS gasket. Maybe I’m hearing something else? Those gaskets rarely blow

 

[beemerman]

I would the header bolts to make sure they are tight.

 

[Anthony k]

Found it.

Tube is cracked near the weld on the flange.
Now to find a good welder with SMALL HANDS!

 

[Sozzy12]

That could be tricky to weld in-place. Risk warping the head, destroying the gasket, etc. Might be worth it to remove the header.

 

[Anthony k]

That could be tricky to weld in-place. Risk warping the head, destroying the gasket, etc. Might be worth it to remove the header.

There’s not that much heat in a 1/2” long bead.
Absolutely no way it will warp the head. That can be welded and your bare hand on the same header tube 6” away. Wouldn’t be warm 6” away.
Have you tig welded before?

 

[Sozzy12]

There’s not that much heat in a 1/2” long bead.
Absolutely no way it will warp the head. That can be welded and your bare hand on the same header tube 6” away. Wouldn’t be warm 6” away.
Have you tig welded before?

Have you seen the engine bay? Not much room.

 

[Anthony k]

 

[Anthony k]

Was cracked ALL over