Those who have headers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*71SWB* · 10-26-2013, 11:14 AM

I have this ticking that DRIVING ME CRAZY. I thought it was the lifters however it is not there at idle and only there when driving. I've had the exhaust checked for leaks and no leaks. I'm being told this sound is the sound headers make. IS this correct? If it is i'm gonna have to go back to manifolds. I hope someone can help.

rogergodding · 10-26-2013, 11:24 AM

sounds like an exhaust leak. sometimes the header bolts will back out on you and it will sound like a tick.... and no I've run headers for years with no ticking sound as long as there is no leak...

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-26-2013, 11:48 AM

Welcome to the wonderful world of headers

They should not tick. You have a leak

SOMEWHERE

zeldman · 10-26-2013, 11:50 AM

Sounds like a leak to me. Probably between the hedder and head. Take the paper gaskets and throw them away and replace them with copper gaskets. Do the collector as well. The ticking might just be cheap hedders. That is one item to never go with the lowest cost, because it will cost you more later. I have a set of Edelbrock hedders on my 93 GMC, I put them on 10 years ago with copper gaskets, and still running those gaskets without any leakage or other problems.

*71SWB* · 10-26-2013, 12:23 PM

Where can I get the copper gaskets and copper collector gaskets

cdowns · 10-26-2013, 12:44 PM

auto parts store

zeldman · 10-26-2013, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dossfatboy

Where can I get the copper gaskets and copper collector gaskets

I am thinking Summit might have them. Or check RockAuto.

hugger6933 · 10-26-2013, 12:55 PM

If you HAVE to call your self stuck with paper soak them overnight in a tub or water. then put them in tighten it all up and then try that. You may have to tighten again after a few heat cycles,once they are tight they will be there. That also might be a good time to think about the locking header bolts. The are several different kinds on the market that will work and one is just right for you. Jim

hugger6933 · 10-26-2013, 12:57 PM

Also you may need to check the flange on your header, if it is thin or if there is pipe sticking out of it or welding slag on the flange from the pipe being welded on the inside edge of the flange that would help cause a leak. jim

piecesparts · 10-26-2013, 02:42 PM

Several things involved here. #1. Headers will sound different, under the hood and while driving, due to the fact that they are made of a thinner material than a cast iron exhaust manifold. There will be some exhaust noise coming from a perfectly sealed set of headers. #2 The sound of your supposed leak can be defined as an exhaust manifold gasket or a collector gasket by two things *is it around the head area and is it a single ticking sound rather than a more continuous sound. #3 If you have a leak, then look at the exhaust gasket and there should be a trace of carbon where the leak is at. I personally use Felpro gaskets and I coat them with "Copper-Coat" gasket sealer for longevity. I put teflon tape on my header bolts to keep them from backing out once tightened and set for use. The teflon works great and it will keep the bolts where you tighten them to. Once the header is on, then start the engine and warm everything up and do a final snug tighten on the bolts. I have headers on most of my vehicles and have not had any leakage issues for many years of use.

All of the below have headers and no leaks

84 GMC Sierra 383 stroker
85 Chevy Silverado 350 crate engine
2011 GMC Sierra (daily driver) 5.3
95 Chevy Impala SS Lt1

leftybass209 · 10-26-2013, 02:52 PM

No offense to anyone, but I love all the tricks to get headers to work properly. Every time I read a header post I go out and pat my exhaust manifolds and smile. Not when they are hot of course, then I'd frown.

piecesparts · 10-26-2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftybass209

No offense to anyone, but I love all the tricks to get headers to work properly. Every time I read a header post I go out and pat my exhaust manifolds and smile. Not when they are hot of course, then I'd frown.

Everyone for their own.

ItsRandy · 10-26-2013, 03:56 PM

The sound you describe is probably a leak at the head/header flange if you thought it was a lifter making noise. Headers with no leaks will make a different sound than exhaust manifolds and will be more noticeable with a performance cam. I like the sound. I think it is more like a light "ting" than a "tick", more like something you hear in the background. An annoying "tick, tick, tick" is an exhaust leak.

swamp rat · 10-26-2013, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftybass209

No offense to anyone, but I love all the tricks to get headers to work properly. Every time I read a header post I go out and pat my exhaust manifolds and smile. Not when they are hot of course, then I'd frown.

I do the same, and I run Doug Thorly Tri Y Header's.

Longhorn 70 · 10-26-2013, 10:44 PM

Get a automotive stethoscope like THIS and find the ticking. This beats the old hold a screwdriver by the handle and touch things. It's $4 and can speed up troubleshooting.

jhwkns · 10-27-2013, 09:28 AM

You've got a leak. My mom had iron manifolds on her car.

10-26-2013, 11:50 AM	#4
zeldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Rt 66 Gallup, NM Posts: 527	Re: Those who have headers Sounds like a leak to me. Probably between the hedder and head. Take the paper gaskets and throw them away and replace them with copper gaskets. Do the collector as well. The ticking might just be cheap hedders. That is one item to never go with the lowest cost, because it will cost you more later. I have a set of Edelbrock hedders on my 93 GMC, I put them on 10 years ago with copper gaskets, and still running those gaskets without any leakage or other problems. __________________ 2005 GMC K2500HD D/A 1993 GMC K1500 2011 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Subaru Outback 1970 C-10 2WD, SWB stepside, 292, TH350, PS, more rust than anything. God is my pilot.

10-26-2013, 12:23 PM	#5
71SWB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Va Posts: 165	Re: Those who have headers Where can I get the copper gaskets and copper collector gaskets

10-26-2013, 12:44 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Those who have headers auto parts store __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-26-2013, 12:55 PM	#8
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,257	Re: Those who have headers If you HAVE to call your self stuck with paper soak them overnight in a tub or water. then put them in tighten it all up and then try that. You may have to tighten again after a few heat cycles,once they are tight they will be there. That also might be a good time to think about the locking header bolts. The are several different kinds on the market that will work and one is just right for you. Jim

10-26-2013, 12:57 PM	#9
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,257	Re: Those who have headers Also you may need to check the flange on your header, if it is thin or if there is pipe sticking out of it or welding slag on the flange from the pipe being welded on the inside edge of the flange that would help cause a leak. jim

10-26-2013, 11:14 AM	#1
71SWB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Va Posts: 165	Those who have headers I have this ticking that DRIVING ME CRAZY. I thought it was the lifters however it is not there at idle and only there when driving. I've had the exhaust checked for leaks and no leaks. I'm being told this sound is the sound headers make. IS this correct? If it is i'm gonna have to go back to manifolds. I hope someone can help.

10-26-2013, 11:24 AM	#2
rogergodding Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sachse, Texas Posts: 614	Re: Those who have headers sounds like an exhaust leak. sometimes the header bolts will back out on you and it will sound like a tick.... and no I've run headers for years with no ticking sound as long as there is no leak...

10-26-2013, 11:48 AM	#3
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: Those who have headers Welcome to the wonderful world of headers They should not tick. You have a leak SOMEWHERE

10-26-2013, 02:42 PM	#10
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Those who have headers Several things involved here. #1. Headers will sound different, under the hood and while driving, due to the fact that they are made of a thinner material than a cast iron exhaust manifold. There will be some exhaust noise coming from a perfectly sealed set of headers. #2 The sound of your supposed leak can be defined as an exhaust manifold gasket or a collector gasket by two things *is it around the head area and is it a single ticking sound rather than a more continuous sound. #3 If you have a leak, then look at the exhaust gasket and there should be a trace of carbon where the leak is at. I personally use Felpro gaskets and I coat them with "Copper-Coat" gasket sealer for longevity. I put teflon tape on my header bolts to keep them from backing out once tightened and set for use. The teflon works great and it will keep the bolts where you tighten them to. Once the header is on, then start the engine and warm everything up and do a final snug tighten on the bolts. I have headers on most of my vehicles and have not had any leakage issues for many years of use. All of the below have headers and no leaks 84 GMC Sierra 383 stroker 85 Chevy Silverado 350 crate engine 2011 GMC Sierra (daily driver) 5.3 95 Chevy Impala SS Lt1 __________________ Frank

10-26-2013, 02:52 PM	#11
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,186	Re: Those who have headers No offense to anyone, but I love all the tricks to get headers to work properly. Every time I read a header post I go out and pat my exhaust manifolds and smile. Not when they are hot of course, then I'd frown.

10-26-2013, 03:56 PM	#13
ItsRandy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Grand Terrace, Ca. Posts: 1,607	Re: Those who have headers The sound you describe is probably a leak at the head/header flange if you thought it was a lifter making noise. Headers with no leaks will make a different sound than exhaust manifolds and will be more noticeable with a performance cam. I like the sound. I think it is more like a light "ting" than a "tick", more like something you hear in the background. An annoying "tick, tick, tick" is an exhaust leak.

10-26-2013, 10:44 PM	#15
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: Those who have headers Get a automotive stethoscope like THIS and find the ticking. This beats the old hold a screwdriver by the handle and touch things. It's $4 and can speed up troubleshooting. __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

10-27-2013, 09:28 AM	#16
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Re: Those who have headers You've got a leak. My mom had iron manifolds on her car. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.



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