Leaking Doug Thorley Headers. What to do?

29746 Views 194 Replies 41 Participants Last post by JauntyBishop, May 7, 2013

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · Jun 14, 2011

I bought a set of stainless ceramic coated DT headers in April. I installed them and I thought everythig was ok. In May I bought the uprev and did the logs so i could get my first map tuned. It turned out It looked looked like I had a leak on the left bank, So I took it back apart figuring I had messed something up when I installed it. Once I had it apart I could see the leaks and it was pretty clear why.

URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/img001hb.jpg/]

[/URL]

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

So I called Nick at DT and told him what was going on and he said he wanted to get the header back so they could "fix" it. The problem with this is I live in Florida and its going to take 5 days for it to get to him, then they are going to have to fix it, then its 5 days back and I cant be without my truck for two to three weeks. So we agreed that they would get me a new one but they didnt have anymore so it would be about 5 weeks but he wanted me to call back after 2 weeks and see how things were going. I called again after 2 and a half weeks to check on things and Nick tiold me they were in welding and I should call again in a week and a half. So today I called and he tells me that he was wrong the that the headers being made now are the mild steel not the stainless and he still thinks I should send the one I have to him to have it fixed. I got really pissed because I paid alot for the headers and I just want them not to leak. I cant even get my e-tunes done because of the leak. Another problem is that it sounds like ****.
In his defense its only been 4 weeks so its not like its gone on longer then we agreed but today he didn't even give me a time frame for when I would get them.

I am asking you guys what you think I should do and am I wrong for being upset?

See less See more

Reactions: 1

41 - 60 of 195 Posts

deerslayer

· #41 · Jun 16, 2011

doug thorley headers said:
My only comment is atleast I am here backing our products. Not many other manufacturers will do that!

Your covering your *** not backing your product! 12 whole posts on here prove that. Just get his prob fixed & u wont lose business.

nyc2005armada

· #42 · Jun 16, 2011 (Edited)

I have the DT, and I am extremely unhappy with the issue of surface rust, and I not talking about just the rust on the tubes only but overall everywhere, including the flange area. I would think that seeing that the rust has been an issue since the initial launch of them, that something would have been done to correct that issue, but it hasn't. Believe me, if I had the time and money to purchase another set of headers, I would look else where, including buying the rare nismo's, which are some serious coin. I know I am not the only here that has had problem with these headers for the Titan/Armada from 2004-2010, even some people on the Toyota FJ forums had a serious rusting issue with them, granted you guys took care of the individual, but you have not addressed the issue of rust at the flanges, and the surface rust. I am not expecting for a header to be rust proof, but to show it after just a few months after install, and I do mean 3-4 months after install is unacceptable. I as a provider of mechanical service, have yet to have a vehicle come back for the same issue, granted, I may go time to time without steady drive in customers, but I believe in quality or quantity, which causes customer to keeping come back and have new ones come in for the service due to being recommended by existing customers.

See less See more

Gene 5.6

· #43 · Jun 17, 2011

So DT just "bored" out their flanges to fit on the newer VK56DE w/o doing ANY R&D whatsoever? The new 2011+ VK is a completely different beast in comparison to the older. It flows so much more and those flanges look like a HUGE bottleneck.

Nick- as someone who's coming onto these boards as a REPRESENTATIVE of a MUCH larger company I would be weary on the words you choose. Especially on the internet where tone can be misconstrued.

gary748

· #44 · Jun 17, 2011

doug thorley headers said:
OK well it looks like trying to help somebody out backfired. The set of headers Anthony/losemymind recieved was designed to fit the 2012 QX56 but just so happened they fit the Titan as well. The headers are identical except on the Infiniti 400hp version the ports were more round than oval so the flange shape was modified to no block the port on either variation. His headers were not the best I admit so lilke i told him "I will swap them out but it is going to be a bit". He stressed time being an issue so I informed him that the only option then is to fix his. When online "EXPERTS" get involved and tell people what "THEY WOULD DO" it doesnt help the situation any. The next run will more than likely have the standard Titan oval port shape flange so there will not be any worries about this issue again. Also just an FYI these headers are constructed of 304 stainless steel and ceramic coated inside and out where as my closest competitor still uses 409 and only coats the outside as an upgrade. In closing Anthony you will be handled regardless of "if you think I have them in stock or not" as we try and take care of all our customers.

Thanks

Slick Nick

Just because the headers "fit" meaning they bolt up doesn't mean they actually "FIT" and work as advertised! But then again you're the "EXPERT" so I digress.

Have you signed up as a vendor on Titan Talk since your advertising on here?

Giving the guy the run around and making him call back without a definitive answer can hardly be considered backing your product. Nice to see the "EXPERTS" at DT do the CORRECT R&D before releasing products, because the "EXPERT'S at DT certainly can't tell the difference between the 2011 QX56 and a Titan. One size fits all won't cut it with this application. No need to try and shift blame or point fingers at the members on here. Step up and take care of this guy. Don't try do it!

Oh, one more thing... I just received a PM from a member wanting to know which headers they should go with. Quality control is paramount and the last thing members want to do is replace defective OEM manifolds with ill fitting leaking DT headers. Members in the market for headers are looking at your responses and the outcome... Being an "EXPERT", I'm sure you'll eventually figure it out and do the right thing... :cheers:

See less See more

Reactions: 1

al120hp

· #45 · Jun 17, 2011

WOW!!!

I'm not buying DTs any time soon.

nyc2005armada

· #46 · Jun 17, 2011

If I have to get another set of headers, I know which brand I will not be getting, cause dealing with the headache of not knowing when I am getting a new set, and that I have to send "my present set" so they can be looked at, and then the decision of having them sanded down, and re-welded because the "experts" say that is what is best, is something I can do without.

deerslayer

· #47 · Jun 17, 2011

See what happens when you come on here running your mouth Nick? Know you have a bunch of guys not wanting to buy DT's anytime soon. Maybe you should fix the headers and give a big ol' group buy to make peace

I'm happy with mine but I got mine at a price I couldn't turn down.

Seriously though, you need to fix the problem for the OP.

Way to represent there buddy!!

layer1

· #48 · Jun 17, 2011

doug thorley headers said:
My only comment is atleast I am here backing our products. Not many other manufacturers will do that!

Where were you, Doug Thorley, when my ceramics rusted less than a year old. I called and Dt didnt want have anything to do with me and couple others that rust in under a year. Actually, someone from DT did call me back with a rude voice because it was posted here on TT.

I took them off and sold them. I was on the original group buy.

When im ready to buy headers again it will not DT.

My .02$ worth. Oh, this is the only post i put in this thread.

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · #49 · Jun 17, 2011 (Edited)

doug thorley headers said:
Anthony,
No worries man! I do have a run of the modified ports due back next week from ceramic OR I am having them do a run of the conventional stainless oval port design due in approx 4-5 weeks. I have the conventional "OG" design mild steel versions in stock now.

Nick,
Do you think I should wait to get the conventional oval design? Or do you think the new design will work?

BBtruck

· #50 · Jun 17, 2011

LoseMyMind said:
Nick,
Do you think I should wait to get the conventional oval design? Or do you think the new design will work?

My guess Ray and Stevie at DT would say the new design will work, as in Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder...j/k

If they have it, get the oval bro, because the OEM gasket will fit properly or get the 2012 QX gasket to fit the new round design. You already know the new design don't fit with the older gasket. That would seem to be the solution, but I'm no expert..

L

Reactions: 1

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · #51 · Jun 17, 2011

BB Thats a damn good idea. I wish I would have thought of that yesterday. I wonder if the stealership will even have that gasket.

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · #52 · Jun 17, 2011

Shouldn't it be the same on the 2011 QX?

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · #53 · Jun 17, 2011

Its going to be 2 to 3 days before they have it. Its 31 bucks.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

See less See more

donson

· #54 · Jun 18, 2011 (Edited)

I've been researching headers for awhile now, and trying to find the ever elusive nismos but of course no luck. (will pay top$ for nismos if anyone wants to sell lol) DTLT were coming up in the very near future but i will def be holding off. Thanks nick!

Goodluck LoseMyMind

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · #55 · Jun 20, 2011

Donson,
I can get Nismo's. Let me know if you really want them.

donson

· #56 · Jun 20, 2011

losemymind, def serious. Pm sent

xxxxxxxxxPAtitan56

· #57 · Jun 20, 2011

I wonder if the flange was not square from the start? You should get a perfect surface that is true set it on, even a level that is new, look to see if the surface is true and correct. a machine shop can also help you out on this. the place where they weld in may have warped if too much heat occured, or the angle grinder used did something in that area. usually, there will be a problem with the mating surface on the top if the leak is at the bottom. I would see if the head has some burr on it also from the factory. you never know.

Reactions: 1

LoseMyMind

Discussion Starter · #58 · Jun 20, 2011

I took a straight edge to it and looked for light passing between the flange and the edge. It didnt look bad to me. The head side has not leaked once so I dont believe the head has any burs. I agree with BB. I think the ports are too large for the crush rings on the gaskets but I could be very wrong. I confirmed with Nissan and Infinity that the new 2011-2012 QX has new round exhaust ports on the head so the gasket should have the rounded crush zones. We will know by friday if the gasket will work

Reactions: 1

04GreenT

· #59 · Jun 21, 2011

Since nick has decided to come onto the forums and make thorley look like a bunch of kindergardeners AGAIN I'm not going to back him up.

He made them look stupid during the original group buy that I personally set up and every time I called and couldn't speak with Frank, I was misinformed by guess who.... nick...

If jaime is still the head of r&d then I am damn shocked that he let those headers off the line looking like that. All the work he has done for me has been top notch. That includes 2 sets of headers and 2 full exhaust systems.

Its a damn shame that someone like Nick ruins a company's rep so easily.

/end rant

Reactions: 2

deerslayer

· #60 · Jun 21, 2011

04greent said:
since nick has decided to come onto the forums and make thorley look like a bunch of kindergardeners again i'm not going to back him up.

He made them look stupid during the original group buy that i personally set up and every time i called and couldn't speak with frank, i was misinformed by guess who.... Nick...

If jaime is still the head of r&d then i am damn shocked that he let those headers off the line looking like that. All the work he has done for me has been top notch. That includes 2 sets of headers and 2 full exhaust systems.

its a damn shame that someone like nick ruins a company's rep so easily.

/end rant

x2......................................................

41 - 60 of 195 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.