Mk1 headers keep getting gasket leaks!

[VdubEd]

Hi all,

Some of you may remember I put a post up about a month ago regarding an exhaust leak at the head. Took her back in to repair it. Throw yet more money at the issue and a month on I'm back at square one with another baddly blown exhaust gasket!

It's a mk1 cabriolet with a 1.8ltr JH engine. Headers are from straightline performance. And I've had a wrx flex joint installed. I installed new engine mounts recently so they should be all good. Why the hell does this keep happening... This is the forth time! I just want to enjoy driving my mk1 again instead of it spending the whole time laid up waiting to be fixed.

Any advice would be good. Thanks in advance, ed


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-33.841674,151.210232

[mikinoz]

Tough one. I'd make sure the studs and nuts are changed this time round as well. For joint should aid the situation but can't offer much more help sadly.

[Valver.]

Often, even with new rubber engine mounts, there is still too much engine movement for some aftermarket headers to handle. Replacing the front and rear mounts with polyurethane versions will more than likely cure the problem.

If not, the header flanges are probably not machined flat and you'll need to have them resurfaced - this is a common problem with some cheaper headers

[VdubEd]

Thanks guys,

That's actually pretty helpful. At least the front and rear mounts are really easy to change. Do you know where I can get some polyurethane mounts from quickly?? Or will i have to order them from UK or the US?

I'll check if he machined the flanges but I'm fairly sure he did. I'll also see if he replaced the studs.

Thanks again, ed


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-33.822062,151.218336

[gldgti]

one thing to make note of is that if it is movement causing the leak at the flange, like as not over time even if you fix the flanges from leaking the headers will end up with stress cracks anyway.

I think i have poly front and rear mounts in my parts bin at home - i've no real use for them with my diesels so you han have both for a nominal fee if your interested. I think they are both still in the packaging.

[VdubEd]

Yes please mate that would be awesome. I'll pm you in a bit. Thanks, ed


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-33.886985,151.207407