I am installing my headers tomorrow evening and was wondering what happens if there is an exhaust leak?

Thanks

 

You'll hear what amounts to an odd ticking noise at idle. One of the weekend car shows on TNN had a very good suggestion regarding header installation.

Once the headers are installed, allow them to heat up and cool down several times (drive it for a few days). Then, go back and re-torque the bolts. This allows the gaskets to get compressed during the heat-up cycle a few times so that they shrink to their broken-in thickness.

That way they'll stay good and tight!

 

Really? That sounds like it's theoretically a good idea. Anyone actually do this here on the boards?

 

yes, this advice is correct....this is what I did when installing my turbo and manifold on my Audi. Infact...I should meet up with Ferizzo soon and retorque his.

 

If there is any leak in the exhaust plumbings, you will see black carbon desposits all over the cracks after some time. So black soots on the outside of the pipings indicate wherever there is an exhaust leak.

 

Good idea! I just retightened my bolts 2 days ago after having my OBX's on for about a month and every bolt was slightly loose.

When there is a leak the car sounds different, in my case it was anoying. Good luck!

 

Thats what I did..its the only way to go.

 

whats the torque specs on exhaust man???????

 

RES -- how do you like the OBX headers? Is there really an annoying resonance at 2500-2800 rpms??

How's the power upgrade?

 

I have a question...If one of our cars had an exhaust leak would there be a loss of HP? and if so would the amount of HP loss be noticable?

 

There isn't much resonance at 2500rpm, but you can hear it. If you have radio on you can't. HMMM save $700, can turn it up louder. LOL.

 

Comptech doesn't give them for the CL/TL/Accord, but they do give them for several other models.

NSX - 25 ft-lbs
CRV - 23 ft-lbs
Civis Si - 23 ft-lbs
Integra - 23 ft-lbs

and the odd ball

RSX - 33 ft-lbs

I'd say you're safe with 23-25 ft-lbs (i.e. NSX)

(That's for the header->cylinder head bolts.)

 

What does resonance SOUND LIKE??

And can I hear it from the outside as well if i'm cruising w/ my windows down?

What if I'm cruising on the highway at 2750 rpms... is the resonance constant?

 

It sounds a little like the sound you get when blowing over a bottle top. Can you hear it from the outside with windows down? Probably.

If you're on the highway will you get constant resonance? No. It usually happens when the car is cold - and only for a fraction of a second. It's no big deal.