OBX headers leaking

[Dous]

So I have thought I had an exhaust leak for the longest time, it always sounded like air was leaking from somewhere when I had the windows down, since I bought the vehicle.

This morning I hooked a shopvac reversed to the blowing effect to the end of he exhaust pipe. I then went around with a soapy water solution and sprayed it on joints looking for bubbles. Everything was fine until I got he the OBX headers, jesus christ. The crappy OBX header gaskets are leaking like sieves. After some reading I have found that the OBX gaskets are crappy cardboard ones, people suggest using OEM ones in their place.

So my question is, would an OEM gasket work? I read that on a GM forum, so maybe it works there, but what about in my application? It seems like a lot of the gasket would be exposed, but I guess that isn't a huge deal.

 

[Gerdo]

In theory, yes. The OE gaskets seal to the exhaust ports on the heads and are sized to that. The headers should sit on the gaskets with no problem. The "extra" gasket sticking out is also no issue.

 

[the great him]

i had a similar issue with a header on my 22re. the gasket that came with the header blew out one day(cheep cardboard type) and i just replaced it with the oem metal gasket. worked great, never had an issue

 

[Greg_Canada]

I would take the headers off and get the flanges grinded flat at a machine shop, then use OEM gaskets (that's what i did with my downey's, they were brand new but the flange was like a banana.....)

 

[Dous]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Unfortunately I am going to Charlotte this Saturday for school so I don't even have time to fix this myself.

I am picking up the gaskets from Toyota tomorrow, and having my buddy who owns a shop in Charlotte put them in.

Never thought I would pay for a simple maintenance labor, but I dont have a choice at this point!

 

[Qyota]

How'd this end up? I'm considering the OBX's as an OEM replacement. My OEM headers are rusted all to hell.

 

[jkoni426]

^obx is crap imo. if the oems are in good shape besides some rust, you could let em soak overnight in a rust reformer bath to remove the rust. oem is probably made a lot better than anything obx makes. cheaper than buying new headers also. my .02

 

[waketek516]

Where are you guys buying the headers? I'm guessing they're not CARB certified

 

[zooroadbaja]

waketek516 I know Doug Thorley makes headers that are CA legal. Pricey, but I'm pretty sure they come ceramic coated. I've ran Thorleys on my previous 3 vehicles, and I haven't had a problem with the fit or the coating. They are also located in Corona CA, if you have any problems.

 

[waketek516]

waketek516 I know Doug Thorley makes headers that are CA legal. Pricey, but I'm pretty sure they come ceramic coated. I've ran Thorleys on my previous 3 vehicles, and I haven't had a problem with the fit or the coating. They are also located in Corona CA, if you have any problems.

Thanks!! Found them, but you're right - PRICEY!:violin: Maybe down the road if I have more funds

HEADERS CERAMIC Toyota CERAMIC COATING, 2001-2004, TACOMA/S-RUNNER/4RUNNER, 3.4L, 2/4WD, TACOMA, S-RUNNER at Doug Thorley Headers dougthorleyheaders.com

 

[The4kbeast]

Just putting it out there... If you are looking for headers and have the early cast iron headers that NEED replaced, you could switch out for a 98+ steel exhaust. Toyota went to a log style steel headers that match the thermal expansion of the cylinder heads better and help to ward off blown head gaskets. They look a lot better, too.

 

[Kurtis]

Go to the local parts store and ask them to if you can look at each gasket they have in stock. I can't remember the brand but they make a gasket that is about a 1/4 inch thick and forms to any header that isn't perfect. (OBX). I've used them multiple times.

Kurtis

 

[Dous]

How'd this end up? I'm considering the OBX's as an OEM replacement. My OEM headers are rusted all to hell.

I bought a nice Multi Layer steel gasket, wasn't OEM, but made in Japan, cost me $80. The leak was solved, so if you do get the OBX just throw the gaskets they give you in the trash

^obx is crap imo. if the oems are in good shape besides some rust, you could let em soak overnight in a rust reformer bath to remove the rust. oem is probably made a lot better than anything obx makes. cheaper than buying new headers also. my .02

I think that is a little unfair. The OBX products itself is fine, sure the gaskets suck but for the price I think they are fine brother.

Go to the local parts store and ask them to if you can look at each gasket they have in stock. I can't remember the brand but they make a gasket that is about a 1/4 inch thick and forms to any header that isn't perfect. (OBX). I've used them multiple times.

Kurtis

Yea I was able to get a MultiLayer steel gasket that solved the leak, the surface wasn't warped fortunately