lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Another question; I have Sanderson Headers on this LT1 and a brand spanking new exhaust system. The headers were installed per Sandersons Instructions using RTV instad of the normal gasket The head pipes are installed with a gasket at the collectors. But I can hear a leak and when I put my head over the engine, my eyes burn so there is definately a leak. Is there a trick to determining where the leak is coming from, Header at the head or the collectors. If it aint one thing it's another. Thanks, Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inferno 08 Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 If you put your hand close to any joints in the exhaust system you should be able to feel pressure where the leak is. I'd recommend doing this when the engine is cold to make things a little easier for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S130Z Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Try this. With the engine as cold as can be, get a spray bottle with a heavy soap and water solution in it and spray it on thick where you would suspect a leak. spray it on soon after you crank the car up and look for bubles! P.S. If the car is too hot, it may evaporate the water!(you probably could have figured that out with out my help though) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 If its leaking at the heads get rid of that RVT theory and get a set of Earl's gaskets http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EAR-29DA3BERL/ They are expensive but they work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColtGT4g63 Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Just a personal preference, but I would never run RTV only between a header - head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 yea I know, The RTV seemed a little too easy but that is what Sanderson said to do. I will be installing some gaskets if that is where the leak is coming from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvincent Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 I too tried the RTV on the Sanderson headers on both of the LT1's and both times they leaked. I followed Deja's advice awhile ago and picked up a set of EARLS metal/graphite headers and have not had a leak since. Shop around I forget where I got mine but it was $33 shipped. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slammed68 Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Mine always worked great with just RTV, sealed up both times I needed them to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted December 17, 2009 Author Share Posted December 17, 2009 Well I took pains to do a good job with the install. Torqued the bolts per the manual but I think they are leaking. Not sure yet because it could be the collector. Kind of waiting untill it gets worse so I can tell where it's coming from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayolives Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 I have an inexpensive mechanic's stethoscope that I've used for years. It easily will pinpoint leaks and locate squeaks from pulleys and belts and such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 If it turne out to be your collector gaskets I recommend Mr. Gasket copper #7176C http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MRG-7176C/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted December 18, 2009 Author Share Posted December 18, 2009 I have the stethoscope also but what do you do with it. Run it around the manifolds and collectors and do what? Listen for exhaust noise? I think that these devices work by vibration, not noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayolives Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 I have the stethoscope also but what do you do with it. Run it around the manifolds and collectors and do what? Listen for exhaust noise? I think that these devices work by vibration, not noise. I use mine based on sounds. Not vibrations. And have found that I can located the noise better by removing the long pointed piece on the end and then use the remaining open end of the stethoscope to move over the search area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted January 8, 2010 Author Share Posted January 8, 2010 Turned out to be loose collector bolts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsun723 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Glad you got it figured out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Cool, I have been through that one, totally lost 2 of the three nuts on the passenger side. I'm not real thrilled with Sanderson's collector mating. I have gone to Mr. Gasket copper collector gaskets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted January 9, 2010 Author Share Posted January 9, 2010 Yea I am using gaskets also. Lost one nut and the rest were loose. No leak now even with RTV sealing the headers but that will probably change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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