Installed a header/downpipe and ordered a new header gasket.Well I'm on a tight schedule and the new gasket didn't come in by the time I installed it (ehh came in about a hr after I finished) Anyways I cranked it up and behind the block in the header area started smoking alittle..Nothing was touching as far as lines and whatnot so it had to be the exhaust.I let it sit a min and it isn't nearly as bad.At first I heard a leaking "ticking" sound but after it warmed up it stopped but it is still slightly "smoking".Well my question is that is just probably a leaky gasket right?

 

the smoking will be from your bare hands touching it during install. the oils in your hands get on the header and burn off creating the smoke. take it for a drive, you will know if you have a leak.

 

mine smoked too... its not a leak, you normally tell those by a crazy ass loud noise...

 

Oh really? I didn't know that.
Someone also told me it could be from the carbon deposits being broken up. IDK.
I also couldn't get the top left stud in so I'm going to get a shop to do it(each primary has three bolts holding it down though).I reved it a few times once it got warmed up and I didn't hear a leak.I haven't driven it though.

How much?How long did it last?

 

It was very noticable, went away after about 20 min of driving but i can still smell it a little bit.

 

Like I said the left top stud isn't in. Will it be ok like that for a little while?Every primary has 3 bolts..the other side doesn't even have the hole..It's above that little tube.I don't hear a leak.I was just weary about the smoke because I didn't know if it was normal.

 

I had a hard time with top left also... I got it as tight as I could, not nearly tight enough for my liking, but its been fine.

If you continue to hear the ticking it might be leaking until it heats up.

 

Should I even worry about that stud?