Indexed Plugs -- Leaking Exhaust Manifold Gasket

[oldguysrt10]

I installed my Bellangers mid-January but did not take the advice of those on the forum and chose to use their paper gaskets. The driver side started leaking Monday. When indexing my plugs today I re-torqued the exhaust hoping it'd stop the leak but it didn't. I ordered the replacement gaskets today.

Any suggestions on how with least effort to pull the Bellanger gasket and install the stock. My intent is to remove all top bolts, back out the bottom but leave them installed, pry the header out from the head and wedge it into place to leave a gap, slip the Bellanger paper exhaust out, slip the stock exhaust in, re-install the bolts, torque it up and hit the road.

oldguy

 

[ViperTruck2933]

I'd take the time to do it right. I'd remove the headers completely and clean them properly (and the heads). Then put the new ones on. You run the risk of the new ones leaking too if you don't clean both sides good first.

 

[Bone]

I agree that you need to clean the surface.

If for some reason the surface is clean, remember that the belangers hang on two of the bolts and you may be able to pull it out that way.

 

[Kevan]

You can use a bungee-cord (or two) as your extra set of hands to hold onto the header. They flex a little so you can "aim" the header a little as you re-install it with the new gaskets.

BTW- I have a single spare exhaust gasket here if anyone needs one. Cover shipping and it's yours.

 

[Ram From Hell]

You may also want to consider Stage 8 locking hardware:

https://www.net10.net/ShoppingCart/buy/ProductList.asp

You can get them from Summit (when they're in stock) or order them directly from Stage 8.

Also, I believe most are convinced that the Mopar exhaust gaskets are the way to go (not sure whose you ordered).

 

[jimmyg79]

I just did this, and it's a huge pain in the ass unless your hands are the size of an 8 year old. The drivers side is harder to get to than the passanger side. After you get all of the bolts out, you'll want to disconect the sparkplug wires and unbolt the header from the pipe. That will allow you to gain the clearance you'll need to get the gasket old gasket (or remaining pieces of the old gasket off) and the new gasket on. I never "cleaned" anything, I just made sure all of the old gasket was off, put the new one on, tightened everything back up and it's just like new. Oh, you might want to check the bolts again after they get hot and cool back off, I had a couple loosen up on me.

 

[Bone]

I just did this, and it's a huge pain in the ass unless your hands are the size of an 8 year old. The drivers side is harder to get to than the passanger side. After you get all of the bolts out, you'll want to disconect the sparkplug wires and unbolt the header from the pipe. That will allow you to gain the clearance you'll need to get the gasket old gasket (or remaining pieces of the old gasket off) and the new gasket on. I never "cleaned" anything, I just made sure all of the old gasket was off, put the new one on, tightened everything back up and it's just like new. Oh, you might want to check the bolts again after they get hot and cool back off, I had a couple loosen up on me.

Mr Semantics himself. lol

 

[oldguysrt10]

Changed out the leaking gasket starting yesterday afternoon, finished mid-day today. No leak now. Yep, pain in the ass. The bungee cords did help out as an extra pair of hands. My wife (small hands) had to start a bolt for me I couldn't reach. I'm not changing the passenger side unless it starts to leak.

oldguy