Header install tech tip...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Header install tech tip...
When installing headers by yourself, it's a PITA, lining up the bolts, keeping the gasket from sliding...etc, etc.
Tip....get a bunch O rings that slip over the bolts....line the gasket to the flange, slide the bolts through, slip the rubber O rings on the bots. The Orings keep the gasket from moving. Now you can line up the header and get the bolts started. Once you fire the motor, the rubber O rings will melt.
Tip....get a bunch O rings that slip over the bolts....line the gasket to the flange, slide the bolts through, slip the rubber O rings on the bots. The Orings keep the gasket from moving. Now you can line up the header and get the bolts started. Once you fire the motor, the rubber O rings will melt.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
I don't think I follow your logic. Would sooner temporarily secure gaskets with something I could remove before tightening studs, ie: rubber bands,string,etc.
Although, I will agree burning rubber is sometimes a good thing.
Although, I will agree burning rubber is sometimes a good thing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Have you ever had deja vu where you think you may have read this somewhere before 
Thanks for the tip G. I found that starting a couple of bolts in the header/head, you can slip the gasket down between them and they are held in place by the bolts/studs. If the gasket bolt holes are closed, then I cut them so they can slid into place
Thanks for the tip G. I found that starting a couple of bolts in the header/head, you can slip the gasket down between them and they are held in place by the bolts/studs. If the gasket bolt holes are closed, then I cut them so they can slid into place
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
When installing headers by yourself, it's a PITA, lining up the bolts, keeping the gasket from sliding...etc, etc.
Tip....get a bunch O rings that slip over the bolts....line the gasket to the flange, slide the bolts through, slip the rubber O rings on the bots. The Orings keep the gasket from moving. Now you can line up the header and get the bolts started. Once you fire the motor, the rubber O rings will melt.
Tip....get a bunch O rings that slip over the bolts....line the gasket to the flange, slide the bolts through, slip the rubber O rings on the bots. The Orings keep the gasket from moving. Now you can line up the header and get the bolts started. Once you fire the motor, the rubber O rings will melt.
I got another, but it's nowhere near as good. Most headers come with a package of header bolts. Lots of times it's a major pain, especially if you are doing it alone as you describe, trying to get the bolts started and hold the header and gasket in position all at the same time. Sooo...a trick I learned was to use a couple of studs threaded into the head and "hang" the header and gasket on those studs with nuts FIRST. Not only can you get the gasket on, but it makes it a lot easier to get the rest of the bolts on too. Then you can either leave the studs on (they work just like bolts anyway), or unthread them and install header bolts.
(Oops...that may be what Mike said above)
Dep
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: Millington TN
gaskets
I use some pretty cool fel-pro gaskets that will actually let you start the bolts then insert the gaskets. They are in an O shape with little wings that are like hooks on the sides. You simply slide the gasket in so that the hooks catch on the header bolts. So you get three gaskets per side instead of one big one. I can't seem to find the part number right now but they're out there.
-CR
-CR
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
I use some pretty cool fel-pro gaskets that will actually let you start the bolts then insert the gaskets. They are in an O shape with little wings that are like hooks on the sides. You simply slide the gasket in so that the hooks catch on the header bolts. So you get three gaskets per side instead of one big one. I can't seem to find the part number right now but they're out there.
-CR
-CR
Allows you to start the two outtermost bolts, then slip the gasket in.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I work from underneath, slide the header into place, start the back bolt and then let the header hang. All my gaskets have slots in the end bolts for I start the front bolt, slide the gasket over the 2 end bolts and proceed to add the rest. I also use lots of anti seize.
