i put a set of pace setter headers on my 97 4x4 f-150 190,000 miles on it(yeah i know everyone doesnt like pacesetter but for free come on) got everything hooked up bolted up and even a new egr line. mine was rusted to bits. i have had them on for a few weeks and it almost sounds like i have a exhaust leak! it sounded like that when i first put them on as well.i just though it was them breakin in. so i made sure all the bolts were tight and they were. i also hear it when i axcell and also at 70mph on the highway. did i do something wrong is there something else that can be leaking? maybe the cross pipe that runs to the pass side? with it ideling i put my ear up to the header and cant hear no leaking but further back i do. help??!!

 

You can usually see exhaust leaks in the dark. Check it that way see if you can spot it.

 

i'd just put the stock manifolds back on and remove/plug up all the egr lines.

 

HI!... Did you buy new header gaskets when you installed the headers? Don't re-used the factory ones. I have never had luck with the factory (steel) exhaust gaskets sealing with headers. I always run the FORD MOTORSPORTS racing header gaskets. Never had one leak. Also when you install the headers, let it get up to operating temp and shut it down. Wait for it to cool down and re-tighten the header bolts. After a few days of running it, re-tighten them again.

 

so maybe just try to tighten them back up? and also how would i see the leak in the dark oh because its cold outside and it would be white?

 

The flash of the exhaust shows. I've had a few header leaks in my day and thats how I usually find them. The cold really isnt a factor. Just examine it in the dark. youll probably find the leak.

 

thanks!

 

The soapy bubbles test always is a dead giveaway. I had leak problems at first, never at the heads, but I had to re-torque the Pace Setters 4 times before they kept value. You tighten tho's from the center out. I used the Pace Setter supplied gaskets.

If you run an EGR set up, you need to use gas fittings or like, you really need to run this one, which can be fished out of a salvage yard if you don't have one -



But you can configure your own, it's not easy, this one even leaked a little. That's why I had to use a good factory part like posted above -



Other than that, I ended up tacking the Y in place/ removed and welded solid. It's a PITA to Flux core weld without gas because the factory Y is a grade of stainless. It can be done if your good, with enough practice you'll get there lol. Other than that, you may want to have someone with more practiced hands/knowledge finish her up.

To leak test, I use a RIGID Shop Vac reducer/ Stuff that into the tail-pipe/ Use a regulated air tool/ Plug into the reducer anyway you can/ Charge the system w/10 lbs of air/ hit the seams w/a squirt bottle or part dish soap and water. That will reveal every leak.

Yea, it's no good if they leak.

BTW- There's nothing wrong w/Pace Setter LT's. I've run them for 3 years now without a single problem. Their cheap in price, that's why people like to beat them down. Their a true LT header and you do get the performance a set offers.

Good Luck.

 

soapy bubbles always work good. also if its cold enogh on start up watch for the white smoke. ive found a few leaks from doing that.

werid Jbrew ive never retorqued my bolts been on there for 2 years now i think never had a leak at all. weird.

Yes nothing wrong with pacesetter. i ran shortys for 2 years and i sold them and there on a members truck on here then my longtubes ive had for 2 years michigan winters/snow/salt. no probs at all love um ya stainless is nice but not for 1,100 dollars im good with my carbon steel for 289