rickybobby2189

Just picked up this maxima and after replacing the transmission I now have a bad exhaust leak. I am pretty certain its the manifold gasket.... Thing is it has a aftermarket headers on it and I need to know where I can find an exhaust gasket that will work for it.... How many makers of aftermarkets headers are there for this car? Will a original gasket work if its trimmed?? Iam a pretty well experienced do it yourselfer who has never been one to tear into exhaust syetems

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

Stock gasket is what you need. There's no different size for headers. Stock is an MLM (multi layer metal) gasket that should never blow out. Some headers come with a paper gasket that people don't know not to use. You don't need the stock from Ni$$an. A good MLM from rockauto will work fine

The leak could also be caused by the flange not being straight or some of the nuts not being properly torqued. Some of the nuts can be challenging to reach and torque without the right tools. The header tubes are usually in the way. The nuts are easily rounded off too. This is where having lots of different sockets and extensions comes in handy.

Sometimes the welds reach into the spot where the washer is supposed to seat and should be ground off but aren't. If you don't grind the weld flat you can lose the torque because the nut and washer never seats properly.

It's going to be a challenging job. You're going to have to remove the Y-pipe from each header to be able to pass them over the studs. Cut them with a sawzall and have them welded when you're done.

I'd also get some new stainless nuts. Some of the headers come with cheap soft nuts that are easy to round off. I wouldn't reuse them.

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

I think He meant MLS multi layer steel gaskets? As long as they're not burnt through you can reuse them indefinitely! I would first check that they're all tight first sounds like either there's some loose nuts (new OEMs) or the Crush gasket between the exhaust manifold and the ypipe is leaking!