SC SSi headers leaking
 

I posted another thread 'sc sounds like a farting elephant at 4,000 rpm,

I took a local performance specialist out in the car today, he thinks it sounds like the headers are leaking at about 4,000 rpm, he admitted he has never heard anything like it,

Might drop the entire exhaust/headers off and but new gaskets ets, so my question is (and ive searched for the answer:)

What do I need to buy specifically for a 1979 3.0 sc with SSi headers

I think I need 6 x stainless steel gaskets as well as 2 that look like they would be similar for the rear dual inlet muffler (maybe PP part # 930-111-191-13-M30)

But do I need 6 of the 'Exhaust Seal Ring for Heat Exchanger Crossover Pipe' (PP part # 911-111-189-03-M260)

I cant work out where these seal rings sit, can anyone help, or better still you got any pictures whilst installing yours,

Thanks

You don't have a crossover pipe with SSI headers.

The stock heat exchangers use a crossover pipe to connect the headers together, then to a catalyst and into a one in/one out muffler.

Ah, that makes complete sense now, so what gaskets do I need to buy that go between the flanges of the SSi headers and the exhaust ports of the cylinders ?

Thanks

You just need the 6 regular flat exhaust gaskets. Part # 930-111-191-13-M17.

Exhaust leaks typically heal themselves when the engine is hot and are exposed when cold.
I hate to say it but it sounds like you may have broken head studs.

Yes that's my fear also, im going to do a valve adjust when my gaskets get here so I will find out then (what size allen key do I need to give um a tug ?, at least I think they are allen key)

With broken head studs, is it worse or better when the engine heats up, and do you hear it at low revs under load ? In fact do you hear it at tick over, hot or cold.

My issue is under load at 4,000 rpm up to about 5,500 then it tapers off. Doesn't do it in first under load, well if it does its almost un noticeable, does it in 3rd too, but notice it lots in second gear.

The guy who looked at it yesterday said he could hear a faint crackling when he had his head under the car whilst I revved it, he suggested putting it on his hoist next week and he can have a look/feel around whilst someone revs it, would that show up broken head studs do you think ?

If all looks and feels good will drop the headers, I do know that there is a lot of black crud round the nut and flange of one of the flanges on the headers, im keeping my fingers crossed its that, if its broken head studs, that's a whole nother story as we know :(

Yep ^

If broken, the nut end (under the valve cover) can be pulled out with fingers.