[Healeys] Ehaust Gaskets

[Bob Spidell]

I corresponded with these people a few years ago; they agreed to make a run of gaskets for Healeys if I'd send a sample. I sent them one of my gaskets and never heard back from them (even after follow-up emails). 

Both types available now--one type is a silver, perforated foil with a black filler and one is thin copper sheet with a white filler--are inadequate, IMO. What has worked for me is: 

1) flat file--mill, if possible--the downpipe flanges as flat and smooth as possible (if you can do the manifold flanges too that's even better) 
2) apply a high-temp silicone sealant on both sides of the gaskets 
3) I use regular steel nuts--instead of brass--with anti-seize on the threads and double-nut the studs 
4) torque as much as you dare (if you snap a stud you'll have a lot of fun getting it out) 

Part of the issue, I believe, is that the downpipes are unsupported and vibration and movement causes the joint to work loose, then the gasket blows. The 100s had a bracket to support their single downpipe, I think the 6-cyl cars could benefit from a similar arrangement. 


Bob 


-------------------------------- 
Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA 

----- Original Message -----

Gasket Works Mordy Dundst 

frogeye at porterscustom.com 

Porter Customs 2909 Arno NE 
Albuquerque, NM USA 87107 
505-352-1378 
1954 BN2 1959 AN5 
Porter Custom Bicycles 



Recently there was a thread relating to the quality of the Manifold to 
Exhaust 
down pipe gaskets. I've search the archives can only find a thread going 
back 
to June 2007. 


What was the conclusion on the best source for these gaskets? 
I blew one at Conclave this year on my MkII BN7 Tricarb. I was lucky to 
find 
a few people that had spare gaskets and brass nuts with them so the repair 
was 
made before leaving Louisville. 


I've owned the car since 1996 and have 
driven 3K to 4K per year. First time I blew a gasket. Would like to get a 
good quality set for spares and to return a set to the person that lent me 
his 
spares. 


Ron Mitchell 
BN6 
BN7 MkII