As the topic title suggests I am currently having all sorts of issues with my extractors leaking between the flange and the heads. At first I thought it was incorrect fitment which I only have myself to blame. So the plan was to redo the gaskets, using new ARP header bolts with a smaller 3/8" hex head on them so you can actually get to them properly to tighten them. Originally I had used standard bolts with a 9/16" hex head. Anyway so yesterday I pry them away from the head and noticed that the flanges weren't straight and was very noticeable especially around the areas which were leaking. So several hours later I now have the extractors out of the car and having a closer look today here is what I have found:
Driver Side
- Port 3 leaking at top of flange. Measured 25thou with a straight edge
- Port 5 leaking around bolt. Measured 19thou with a straight edge
- Port 1 doesn't look far off from starting to leak at the top. Measure 19thou with a straight edge
Pass Side
- Port 4 leaking top and bottom of flange. Measured 22thou at top
- Port 6 leaking top and bottom of flange. Measured 19 thou at top
- Between port 4 & 6 measured 19thou at bottom of flange
- Bottom of port 8 measured 10thou
- Bottom of port 2 measured 6thou
Am I being too pedantic? To me this seems like the flanges are way too warped to ever get them to seal properly. I would also like to mention that the car hasn't even hit the road yet... this is all from simply running it in and starting it every now and them.
I do not know the part number of the extractors as they were second hand, but they are Pacemakers as they have the ID tag on them. My set up is a 308 carby, aussie 4 speed with a HZ-WB style full cable clutch setup, HQ style engine mounts.
Now these extractors fitted ok once in the car but getting them out was not fun. If there is no way of salvaging these extractors what are some suggestions out there for the easiest to fit? I have done some reading on here and it seems that all of them have there pro's and con's but keen to get some thoughts.
Any help here guys will be hugely appreciated. My car still isn't on the road yet.. (12 year build) and mucking around with extractors before I even take it for a drive has really set me back.
Driver Side
Pass Side
Engine Side of Gaskets
Extractor Side of Gaskets