Brand New LCE Header Leaking (2.7)

Hi Guys,

First post here. I have gained lots of great insight through TacomaWorld, So I need to ask you guys for some tips.

I recently got an LCE Header to help make life going up-hill a little easier for my 2.7 2011.

I took it to a local shop, gave them the kit, and had them do the install. 3 days later, what I thought was typical burn-off ended up being an exhaust leak coming from the header.

When I tested it with soap water and reverse air flow through the muffler, I found a big leak with bubbles coming from all around the top and rear of the kit ( See Photo ).

I brought it back in. The shop took it off, and reinstalled it, only to have the same issue.

LCE thinks it's because of a damaged gasket during install. Also, my stock exhaust and manifold were fine with no issues or leaks ever.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

You're gonna have to take it off and see for yourself if it's the gasket or the manifold.

This is why I don't install customer supplied parts. When something like this happens the manufacturer will blame the installer, installer blames the manufacturer.. around and around it goes..

 

Was a new header to head gasket used with the "kit"? Or was it the original?

Pretty sure they torqued it twice, but only one way to know for sure. You have tried to tighten the nuts yourself, yes?

Like @b_r_o said. You are going to have to remove the header, and inspect the gasket and mating surface of the flange of the header.

 

Tried tightening my self and the gasket used is the LCE specific part. Thinking my best bet may be to take it to a different shop, have them inspect the manifold, re-install using another new LCE gasket, and hope it was the gasket and not an edge issue

 

Have them get a picture of the flange mating surface, against a flat edge. To see how flat it is.