Remflex® 2036 – Exhaust Header Gaskets

A common misconception is that, if you spend a lot of money for high-quality headers with thick flanges, leaks will not be an issue. In truth, a thicker flange does help, but it can’t solve the problem of warping altogether. Constant thermal cycling, especially in high performance and/or high-load environments, causes warping of header flanges and cast iron exhaust manifolds – even the exhaust flange of the cylinder head itself. Once the sealing surface is warped, leaks are imminent – and once there is a leak, pitting of the exhaust port sealing surface usually follows. A new set of average gaskets won’t fix the problem – but Remflex gaskets, with a 50% crush built in – can seal gaps as large as 1/16-inch. And unlike traditional gaskets, they won’t shrink, so they never require re-torquing.

Curiously, the number one cause of exhaust gasket failure is heat – the very thing exhaust gaskets are supposed to withstand. That’s because traditional exhaust gaskets are made of composite materials – blends of natural fibers and synthetic compounds that are bound together using rubber. Simply put, it’s only a matter of time until the extreme temperature in the vehicle’s exhaust system burns the gasket’s composite materials away, resulting in an exhaust leak. You’ve no doubt experienced the pungent odor that arises from the engine compartment after you install a new set of the top-brand exhaust gaskets. That’s the smell of the rubber binders in the composite materials that begin to burn out almost immediately. And once the rubber overheats, it begins to shrink, as well has harden. That’s why you are instructed to re-torque the gaskets regularly, and why an exhaust leak will develop if you don’t. Remflex exhaust gaskets are made from 100% flexible graphite and can withstand up to 3,000 degrees F – so they are not affected by exhaust system, and won’t burn out, shrink, or leak. Not now, not ever!