Header bolt removal?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 5
From: Austin Texas
Header bolt removal?
I have a 1969 coupe with a 350. I recently replaced the gaskets on my original headers with copper replacements. Some of the bolts are coming a little loose (i did not use threadlock). I am wondering:
1. is threadlock OK to use here?
2. Is it OK to remove one bolt at a time to apply it?
Id like to avoid ruining my new gaskets. any help would be great
1. is threadlock OK to use here?
2. Is it OK to remove one bolt at a time to apply it?
Id like to avoid ruining my new gaskets. any help would be great
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Warren IL
Try the stage 8 header bolts. They are a little pricey but they won't come loose.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Stage+8/749275/10002/-1/11539
http://www.jegs.com/p/Stage+8/749275/10002/-1/11539
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Try the stage 8 header bolts. They are a little pricey but they won't come loose.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Stage+8/749275/10002/-1/11539
http://www.jegs.com/p/Stage+8/749275/10002/-1/11539
This was a constant problem I had also, the stage 8 bolts solved the issue. Two years now never had one come loose.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Dripping Springs TX
I got some header bolts at I think Pep boys that have a wire that runs between each or two bolts. It keeps bolt from backing out. Works fine for me but I would suggest that before you install wire to lock down that you install bolts and run a few times to op temp and retighten and repeat two or three times. Then go back and install wire.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Don't use thread locker on header bolts! If anything, anti-seize the threads to keep them from "welding" themselves in place over time.
Stage 8's should solve the loosening problem. Great product.
If you safety wire, make sure to orient it properly.
Stage 8's should solve the loosening problem. Great product.
If you safety wire, make sure to orient it properly.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Not quite to the point, but may be worth sharing. I use socket head bolts, so I can tighten with an allen wrench or allen socket. It make tightening the bolts easier since the pipes often get in the way of a box end wrench and an open end wrench can round the head of hex bolts.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 5
From: Austin Texas
One header bolt atta time?
Great! I'll get some stage 8 bolts on the fly. do I need to remove the whole manifold or can I do one bolt at a time? Any risk of ruining my new copper gaskets?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I don't see why you couldn't change out one bolt at a time....the gasket should be fine (if it doesn't leak now). Question: Doesn't anyone make French lock tabs for the [stock] header bolts?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: AL
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I got some header bolts at I think Pep boys that have a wire that runs between each or two bolts. It keeps bolt from backing out. Works fine for me but I would suggest that before you install wire to lock down that you install bolts and run a few times to op temp and retighten and repeat two or three times. Then go back and install wire.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Put one lock on two adjacent bolts; put anti-sieze on bolt threads; torque bolts to spec then to next flat that lines up with a lock-tab; bend lock-tab up and flat against the side of the bolt head. Bolts won't back out.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Try the stage 8 header bolts. They are a little pricey but they won't come loose.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Stage+8/749275/10002/-1/11539
http://www.jegs.com/p/Stage+8/749275/10002/-1/11539
Why the hell didn't someone tell me about these guys before now?????
The recessed allen head inside the hex head is worth more than the price of admission.
Thanks, Fuelie!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Like Archie Bunker would say, whats the chinese got to do with it. But on a serious note, I've never had a problem with header bolts backing out probably because I would run the car till it was warmed up to operating temp. ( A short drive) then go over all the header bolts from the center two out for a week or two (religiously). I had a collection of cheap 7/16ths wrench's that I "custom bent" to access the bolts better. Peace,,,Moosie 
