[marknagy13]

Just installed long tube headers and noticed a ticking sound coming from the passenger side header area. I get the feeling its an exhaust leak from a bad gasket or something but if anyone can tell me what it is, that would be really helpful.
I don't quite want to take it in to the dealer yet if it's something basic we can fix.

Here's a sound clip.

[Megahurtz]

Sounds like an exhaust leak. Did you use new OEM GM exhaust manifold gaskets? Did you torque the bolts in the proper order to the proper spec?

[marknagy13]

Originally Posted by Megahurtz

Sounds like an exhaust leak. Did you use new OEM GM exhaust manifold gaskets? Did you torque the bolts in the proper order to the proper spec?

I did use new gaskets, however I did not torque them to correct spec. The kooks instructions had no info on that so we just made them tight haha

[Capt Insaino]

When installing headers I usually tighten the header bolts down from the inside out. I have never had a leak doing it that way.

[JeromeS13]

Originally Posted by marknagy13

I did use new gaskets, however I did not torque them to correct spec. The kooks instructions had no info on that so we just made them tight haha

The Kooks instructions say to install per factory specs...

[marknagy13]

Originally Posted by JeromeS13

The Kooks instructions say to install per factory specs...

I have no idea what those are and we didn't have a torque wrench

[KingLT1]

I have never used factory torque specs because they have always been for manifolds and not long tube headers. I have always tightened them down starting from the middle, then the ends, and work back to the middle alternating. Never had a Issue.

[brettman]

Originally Posted by marknagy13

I have no idea what those are and we didn't have a torque wrench

You didn't use the included Kooks gaskets did you???
That was part of my problem, they are stamped incorrectly and leaked

[marknagy13]

Originally Posted by brettman

You didn't use the included Kooks gaskets did you???
That was part of my problem, they are stamped incorrectly and leaked

Nope I used OEM. Is it possible they loosened up? I've heard that after a few heat cycles that can happen

[EFI Tuning]

Go back over them. Likely they loosened up.

[Megahurtz]

And this is why you should do it correctly the first time.

[JeromeS13]

Mine came with Cometic gaskets and Grade 8 locking fasteners. I had no issues.

[AchiliesSS]

Originally Posted by marknagy13

Nope I used OEM. Is it possible they loosened up? I've heard that after a few heat cycles that can happen

Is it fixed yet? Any update, I wonder if there is going to be a tick considering the metals is thinner and a result in more exhaust noise, I know these have been a reason for why tuners had to turn down the sensitivity of the knock sensors. Please keep us updated and I hope you find the fix brother I'm sire it's nothing serious

[marknagy13]

Originally Posted by AchiliesSS

Is it fixed yet? Any update, I wonder if there is going to be a tick considering the metals is thinner and a result in more exhaust noise, I know these have been a reason for why tuners had to turn down the sensitivity of the knock sensors. Please keep us updated and I hope you find the fix brother I'm sire it's nothing serious

Not yet. I dont have the right tools to tighten the bolts at home. I'll probably take it in this week and see what they say.