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Triumph TR6 - Exhaust manifold gasket

I had posted a question a week or so back re: the best type of gasket to use when putting headers on my TR6. I believe it was "Yellowdog" had posted that it may not be a bad idea to put "spacers" in between the football clamps and header. My question is does that mean a stainless steel washer or am I missing something? I will be working on it this evening finally and wanted a bit of insight or clarification. Have to admit that I am way down the mechanical knowledge scale but trying and really appreciate this boards response even to some seemingly inane questions!
Bill Kinney

Bill,

My comment was based on the differences in thickness in the flange of your stock intake and exhaust manifolds as compared to the flange on the new header.

A stock cast manifold flange is about 3/8 inch thick. Many headers are 1/4 inch.

The problem comes in with the common studs that use the saddle type piece to clamp both the exhaust and intake manifolds to the head.

I have sent you a quick sketch of what I am trying to say.

Don
Yellowdog

Yellowdog

please send me a copy of the sketch as well as I am also installing a new header this winter

thanks

bob

bob.craske@agfa.com
Bob Craske

Bob, on the way . . . .
Yellowdog

I also have headers, and am starting an engine rebild. Please send sketch....much appreciated
Cheers
Pete
Pete Russell

All,

The potential problem I mentioned does not happen in all installations, just where the header flange is thinner than the stock manifolds. What can happen is that the saddle clamp that tightens down on both the intake and exhaust manifolds cannot cinch down on the new thinner header properly and exhaust gas leaks are the result.

I have not personally experienced this problem but know those that have. Cures have ranged from adding washers under the saddle clamp on the header side to machining a new clamp device.

I have not done any research to see if this is limited to one brand of headers or just how extensive the issue is. This sketch that I did up was simply a way for me to try and explain the potential problem a bit better, It is NOT a cure, just a presentation of the problem.

Don
Yellowdog

This thread was discussed between 28/10/2005 and 31/10/2005

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