my motor hasnt been in for more than 1000 miles and I have a exhaust leak. I think it might have been from running it with the glass packs and no hangers. now i have hangers on and Im going to pull the header off to redo the gasket but I don't want to do it again any time soon. it's a clifford header i think? the guy I got it from said to use a big block chevy gasket? anyone know what he might be talking about? any input would be great

I have been using the same gasket for about 7 years with no leaks, either the header was not torqued down properly or the header flange is warped. Even a crappy paper gasket will work if it's sealed properly with an even amount of torque on the hold down nuts. If there is even the slightest amount of warp or a loose holddown nut exhaust gas will burn through like a blow torch.

I use permatex copper gasket spray on both sides of a paper gasket, then after running the engine and letting it cool snug the nuts again and do that a few times.

yes I had a stud fall out and have tried to get one back in with no luck. so I'm going to pull it off and try again. The flange looks good. thanks for the input

"Looking good" isn't good enough.You need to put a straight edge on it and verify.The only difference form the above advice is that i use Permatex Copper in a tube.But other-wise agree.

I did before I put it on, and I'll do it again thanks