Hey guys... Need some major help here... Instaled the Stainless steel SHorty Headers on an 04 F150 5.4L 3V SCAB, and im getting some major leakage from the gaskets which come between the headers and block... I didn't get the gaskets that came with the headers... The ones that seem to be made of cardboard... so i used the factory ones made of steel... Leaks like nobodies buisness!! The truck is dead and won't even budge! It's like instead of adding 33HP as claimed it took them away... I just got the gaskets today and im waiting to get them installed...

Questions:

1) Will the gaskets that came with the JBA headers hold since they seem flimsy and also that they're made of cardboard..

2)Once installed will the porblem be done...

3) Has anyone faced any simillar problems..

4) Can we get a REP from JBA on this forum to help people out with these kinda tech install questions...

Thanks... need help ASAP... Any comment or advice or wisdom is greatly appreciated thanks!

 

Mimik

Jba headers has a performance shop in san diego, they have a web page also http://www.jbaracing.com/ maybe you can give them a call or email on monday and ask them for some advice. i had called with some questions and they were very helpful and friendly. just thought that it could help if no one on the boards can help.
good luck

 

You said you used the factory steel ones, did you buy them from the dealer or did you re-use the ones that were on your truck. If you reused the ones on your truck that's definitely your problem.

 

the problem is u didnt use the gaskets that were supplied with the headers. geus u will be installing them 2x on your truck that sux but a lesson learned the hard way.

 

The question is...
The most important one..

Will they hold?!?? They seem too flimsy! It's like theyre made of carton!!!

 

If you put a lot of miles on your truck, get ready to replace those again at some point.

Last 2 trucks I've had with headers using those type gaskets both had to have the gaskets replaced at some point. It took several miles but they will burn out and develop leaks.

I would look around and see what else I could find in the way of aftermarket gaskets if I were you.

 

So if i install them now... It won't leak but eventually it will so i should order a new set of gaskets as soon as i get them installed...

BUT IF INSTALLED NOW IT WILL STOP THE LEAKAGE?!

 

It should unless your flanges are not flat in the first place... which is not unheard of either. You can also torque those flanges during install and warp them, causing leaks.

More than likely your problem is coming from reusing the metal factory gasket that had already deformed to the shape of the factory exhaust manifold... so using the ones supplied with the headers will fix that.

You could always run down to your local auto parts supplier and see what they have in stock. Most times header gaskets are not brand specific and they keep some in stock. You may be able to pick up a better gasket than what was supplied without ordering them.

 

I would go get me some new factory gaskets and put some RTV silicone around the gasket so you can guarantee no leaks.

 

I have a pair of JBA shorties still in the box, so my actual experience with them is zip so far. But, I was impressed with the way the individual tubes protrude on the cylinder head side of the mounting flange so as to put pressure directly on the gasket at the exhaust ports. It looks like it would be easy for them to rock and be tightened on a bit of a bias causing leakage.
I would suggest chasing each threaded hole with a tap to insure that the bolts go in clean, and using the JBA gaskets as they are more flexible, and forgiving.
You might take a look at the Stage 8 locking bolts, which I think are a good idea..... Ford Motorsport PN - M-9432-A54.
Good luck