Anyone using lock washers on their header bolts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,247
Likes: 210
From: Detroit MI
I use lock washers on my header bolts, and have never had one loosen up. The thing is that if your primary tubes are too big (such as with Hooker sidemounts), you may not be able to get a lock washer on there. My headers have been 1-5/8" (Dynomax headers) primaries and then 1-3/4" (Stahl headers), and I was able to get them on there. I also used high-collar lock washers (for use with allen head cap screws), they have a smaller o.d. and fit in the tight spots where there isn't much clearance to the primary tubes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Hooker headers and the bolts included in the kit, Felpro gaskets heavily sprayed with CopperPlus gasket sealer, re-tightened after one running cycle. No problems after almost three years. Haven't touched them since installation.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
No one has mentioned this trick but it worked like a charm for me.
I always had to retighten my header bolts....even while using lock nuts!
I read an article that mentioned using washers and NO locknuts.
It sounded crazy but I tried it.............sure enough, I just retighted them once after initial install and they have been tight ever since.
I tried double gaskets...it didnt work, they blew out..........have been using Felpro permatork gaskets(they are blue with crushable metal inner) ever since.
I always had to retighten my header bolts....even while using lock nuts!
I read an article that mentioned using washers and NO locknuts.
It sounded crazy but I tried it.............sure enough, I just retighted them once after initial install and they have been tight ever since.
I tried double gaskets...it didnt work, they blew out..........have been using Felpro permatork gaskets(they are blue with crushable metal inner) ever since.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
