Shorty headers not sealing

[ToasyNut]

Hello, this is my first time posting but I recently put some shorty headers on my 94 c1500. I am having problems aligning the headers with the factory Y-pipe, am I supposed to be running the factory donut gaskets or is something maybe just wrong with how I’m trying to bolt them up? I’m currently running no gaskets, but I’m not sure if I am even supposed to need any. Here are some pictures of the connections…

 

[movietvet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

That looks to me like it should seal as long as it is tightened with the correct hardware and is square to the flange. If you have a small leak, you can get sealer, if they still make it, that comes in a tube and hardens up and seals with heat.

 

[GrimsterGMC]

Hello, this is my first time posting but I recently put some shorty headers on my 94 c1500. I am having problems aligning the headers with the factory Y-pipe, am I supposed to be running the factory donut gaskets or is something maybe just wrong with how I’m trying to bolt them up? I’m currently running no gaskets, but I’m not sure if I am even supposed to need any. Here are some pictures of the connections…

Welcome, you look to have two different ends there. The end on the header receives a larger cupped end that acts as a self aligning ball joint that just requires tightening to seal. The pipe end looks like a regular doughnut type gasket end that goes into the standard cast manifolds. My Hedman headers have that self aligning ball joint type connection and it isn't very good at staying tightened up.

 

[movietvet]

Welcome, you look to have two different ends there. The end on the header receives a larger cupped end that acts as a self aligning ball joint that just requires tightening to seal. The pipe end looks like a regular doughnut type gasket end that goes into the standard cast manifolds. My Hedman headers have that self aligning ball joint type connection and it isn't very good at staying tightened up.

Thankfully, someone knew for sure. The OE pipe flare would be bigger, right? Did not see it. Would the OE flange plate line up to the header studs?

 

[GrimsterGMC]

Thankfully, someone knew for sure. The OE pipe flare would be bigger, right? Did not see it. Would the OE flange plate line up to the header studs?

The OE pipe flare looks std but what he needs is the other half of the header flange. On my Hedman headers that part came with them as it also reduces the collector from 3" to 2.5"

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

The end on the header receives a larger cupped end that acts as a self aligning ball joint that just requires tightening to seal. The pipe end looks like a regular doughnut type gasket end that goes into the standard cast manifolds

^^^ This. The exhaust pipe should be flared for the "ball and socket" joint. Here's my JBA "Y" pipe, you can see the flare on it.

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Here's the ball end...

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[Sean Buick 76]

Any muffler shop could do the flare I would think

 

[movietvet]

In all my years in shops and my driveway and I only ever dealt with headers one time, tightening bolts at the head.

 

[ToasyNut]

Any muffler shop could do the flare I would think

Okay, I have an appointment with one on Monday because I haven’t been able to get them squared up. I thought the header flange looked like a bit different of geometry than the OEM donut gaskets.

Hello, this is my first time posting but I recently put some shorty headers on my 94 c1500. I am having problems aligning the headers with the factory Y-pipe, am I supposed to be running the factory donut gaskets or is something maybe just wrong with how I’m trying to bolt them up? I’m currently running no gaskets, but I’m not sure if I am even supposed to need any. Here are some pictures of the connections…

Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies! I have an appointment set up with my local muffler shop to try and sort out the issue but wanted to see if anyone on here knew anything. I will certainly let them know about the geometry of the socket being different than the ball. Thank yall!

 

[Sean Buick 76]

No worries I’m sure it will sound great!!

I have V bands welded on instead of the type you have. no leaks and easy on and off in 1 minute.