header leak test

Discussion in 'Technical' started by koldham, Dec 24, 2012.

  1. koldham

    koldham Member

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    so i had to modify a set of headmans to fit for my 302 swap. as i am a self taut welder, i am 100% sure there are leaks. how would i go about testing them to find where the leaks are. the engines isnt ready to run so i cant look for hot exhaust. any help is appreciated.
     
    koldham, Dec 24, 2012
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  2. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Plug the tube at one end and fill it with water or compressed air if you plug both ends.
     
    Mavman72, Dec 24, 2012
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  3. koldham

    koldham Member

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    How would you go about pluging the cylinderhead side tho? Ive tried wood but its not a watertight seal
     
    koldham, Dec 24, 2012
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  4. Joe Dirt

    Joe Dirt BBF life

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    look for potholes in your cleaned up weld
     
    Joe Dirt, Dec 24, 2012
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  5. Jsarnold

    Jsarnold Senior Member

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    If you heated the flanges there's a good chance they warped. Bolt them up to the block with bolts finger tight and check all around for tight fit to the block.

    I just had to have the surfaces flattened on a NEW set of headers because the flanges were not flat.
     
    Jsarnold, Dec 24, 2012
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  6. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Make a steel plate to bolt on the head flange section, seal it up with some RTV, and fill it with water.
     
    Dave B, Dec 24, 2012
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