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So, last week I had a ticking noise on the pass. side of the engine. I was missing 2 header bolts. I replaced them and the ticking went away.
Today the ticking was back, on the driver's side. Yes I'm missing a header bolt and another one is half way out.
What could cause header bolts to suddenly loosen up?
When I install (or reinstall) headers with new gaskets, I check those bolts everytime
I shut it off for about 3 weeks. I start the engine, run it, shut it off, check the bolts and go again. When the flanges and gaskets heat up, things kind of crawl around. Get everything all hot and expanded, tighten the bolts, let it cool, tighten the bolts. After a while the bolts are really tight and no more problems. Kind of a PITA, but cheaper than replacing gaskets.
I personally like the header bolts that have a hole drilled in center of the bolt...almost all the way through. And then have an "X" cut in the end of the bolt. The center hole is tapped so an allen set screw can be installed and tightened, so when you get the bolt tight. You tighten the set screw and it spreads theh "X" out enough so it wont come loose. They are stainless and are offered in different lengths due to header flanges being of different thicknesses. I get mine through Ecklers and that are great and easy to work with.
Also buying the header gaskets from a race shop that are made out of the "nitroseal" material is the best way to go that I have found for a street driver. Copper gaskets are fine but your gasket surfaces should be really flush with one another and the flanges be thick enough to not bend when the bolts are tightened....from what I have experienced in the past.
When I install (or reinstall) headers with new gaskets, I check those bolts everytime
I shut it off for about 3 weeks. I start the engine, run it, shut it off, check the bolts and go again. When the flanges and gaskets heat up, things kind of crawl around. Get everything all hot and expanded, tighten the bolts, let it cool, tighten the bolts. After a while the bolts are really tight and no more problems. Kind of a PITA, but cheaper than replacing gaskets.
Thats the solution that I've always used, after the initial install anytime I've driven the car I would tighten the header bolts until they wouldnt be loose anymore. It works. That, and use good gaskets.
Peace,,,Moosie