Exhaust header gasket

[ellis8500]

I have a set of exhaust header gaskets that are metal on one side. Which way do these mount? Metal side to the head? Metal side to the headers? Does it matter?

 

[Screaming Metal]

Hahaha, well, you can do it either way, but the way to keep from burning them up is to put the metal side to the head, asbestos side to the header. If you ever notice, long after you have burn't the paint off headers, your heads still have paint on them, even close to the exhaust port. Thats because the water jacket is pulling the heat away from that head to try and keep things cool....Next time you have your heat gun out...check it out

 

[2old2fast]

If you use copper "ultra seal" silicone on both sides you'll have less chance for leaks plus I just use the cheapie mr. gaskt. header gskts.
dave

 

[ellis8500]

Thanks guys.

 

[Screaming Metal]

If you use copper "ultra seal" silicone on both sides you'll have less chance for leaks plus I just use the cheapie mr. gaskt. header gskts.
dave

What he said!!! Me myself, the dead soft gaskets are good, or the copper ones with the bulge in the center of the sealing lip is good, but expensive. 3M has some stuff that keeps them from degrading and burning, thats the next cheapest.
If you don't drive yours alot, I wouldn't worry about sealants. Just use the fasteners that keep your header bolts tight! As long as they're pulled down and are flat, they won't burn. Let those header bolts back off a little, those gaskets are history....
But 2O2F is right, sealer helps....

 

[railroad]

Hahaha, well, you can do it either way, but the way to keep from burning them up is to put the metal side to the head, asbestos side to the header. If you ever notice, long after you have burn't the paint off headers, your heads still have paint on them, even close to the exhaust port. Thats because the water jacket is pulling the heat away from that head to try and keep things cool....Next time you have your heat gun out...check it out

That is the same logic I used umpteen years ago, but I put the more durable metal next to the header. I do not recall having any problems, even though I may have been wrong.