I have 94 4x4 pickup with 22RE.

I have had the LCE header and highflow cat and exhaust system for a while now.

It leaked when I put it on sounded like a deisel. I have taken it off several times and use High temp silicone on different gaskets. It has gotten quiter each time.

This last time I took the header off when I was doing an oil change and used 10w-40 this time. I used more silicone on the gaskets and put it all back together.

Now I have what I think is a very noisy header leak..my brother thinks it is coming from the valve cover...we cant agree on this one..

it speeds up with engine speed and changes pitch a little when you let off the gas.

I dont see any visual signs of a leak but sometimes they are hard to find.

The reason I mentioned the oil change was that since I changed oil weight is it possible the valves are making more\different noise?

other than this new noise the engine is quiter overall.

Any suggestions on what this maybe or things to check/

Thanks

 

I remember watching TRUCKS! one time - and they had a section on leaking headers...

Anyways I think they recommended putting the header on, torquing it down, warming the truck up, and then retorquing while it was all hot...just an idea.

Don't take my word for this but I thought applying RTV or any form of sealant to the exhaust manifold gasket was a big no no? (I'm pretty inexperienced so please correct me if I'm wrong )

 

i've never had any luck with gasket silicone on exaust,only ever try'd it once though , i'd recommend using gasket material you'll have better luck , and the torque then heat up and retorque is the way to go

 

what do you mean by gasket material? I have the header gasket in there I just outline it with the silicone. The instructions that came with the header said to use silicone to help seal up any small leaks.

 

ive never had a problem with my header leaking ... may try these gaskets and see if it helps http://www.remflex.com/

 

By gasket material i mean the same stuff that came with your header only in a big sheet so you can cut your own or get different thicknesses if needed , another trick i always do is soak the gasket in water over night before installing it ,