Installed new headers...got problems
 

Hey guys. Just got done installing a new set of caramic coated MSDS headers on my 944NA. Two days later, I develop a major oil leak from the rear lower balance shaft seal. There's also a leak on the drivers side, I think from the upper rear balance shaft seal. Could the heat from the new header cause the upper one to start leaking?

Also is there any heat shield or tape to insulate from lower balance shaft seal?

Thanks!

-Tony

I dont know if the headers would have caused any problems with seals, But there is a product called header wrap, in insulates the exhaust but it is alot easier to but on the headers before you install them, Also shouldnt the ceramic coated headers block heat???

The header is on the other side of the engine so it would not affect the driver's side rear seal. Don't know how close the new header comes to the lower balance shaft rear seal. It is probably just a coincidence that your seals went out. They dry out and crack in time.

If you do the reseal job yourself, Loctite 574 is the recommended sealant for the housing. I lube the o-ring with motor oil so it can move as the shaft housing is tightened to the engine. That way it won't get pinched where the housing meets the block. There is a tightening order of the bolts for the housing.

We just replaced the 'O' rings at the back of each balance shaft. The lower one is the hardest, you can't remove the cover all the way, (unless you support the engine from the top, and remove the engine mount) but you can get it up enough to replace the 'O' ring. Be careful not to drop it inside the housing.

The upper balance shaft is easy, once you remove the air box, AFM, fuel rail, and intake. Mark your vacume and oil breather lines well. While you are on the upper side, go ahead and replace the two 'O'rings on the oil filler assembly.

After two race weekends, the lower one has some oil seapage around the housing, (no gasket compound on surfaces) It might leave an oil spot the size of a dime over-night. Not a problem for a race car.

With regards to the Heat Wrap...be careful using it on exhaust pipes near oil leaks...my son found out the hard way when flames shot out from under his hood at a stop light. The fabric will wick up the oil, and once there is enough in the fabric, and it gets hot...poof.

Good luck
JM
:cool:

Thanks for the replies! You would think that the ceramic coating would help protect against the heat a little better. The problem is that the header comes to within 1/8 inch from the lower balance shaft rear seal.

Any idea on how well the loctite 574 withstands the amount heat put off by the headers?

Thanks guys!

-Tony