Header Gasket and Header Bolt relationship..
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Header Gasket and Header Bolt relationship..
I had my heads redone when I redid the piston, and one thing I did on the heads was I had the holes where the exhaust/header bolts go drilled and had inserts put in. Not Helicoil, actual steel inserts.
Well, I started the motor, then after a thourough warm up, I tried to tighten them. Not happening, they didnt budge. So I went a few days, and nothing, and after 650 miles they are torqued and no leaks.
This is the first time ever on these heads I have not had to have the header bolts tightened. I wonder if it is because with steel bolts and the inserts the torque specs are staying.
With these heads and headers (DRM stainless steel coated) Ive had to at least retorque them using copper gaskets, Fel Pro, andthe Earls Pressure (by far the best I think).
So, have I stumbled onto something?Whenever you have your heads off have the holes drilled and install the steel inserts?
Just my simple observation.
Well, I started the motor, then after a thourough warm up, I tried to tighten them. Not happening, they didnt budge. So I went a few days, and nothing, and after 650 miles they are torqued and no leaks.
This is the first time ever on these heads I have not had to have the header bolts tightened. I wonder if it is because with steel bolts and the inserts the torque specs are staying.
With these heads and headers (DRM stainless steel coated) Ive had to at least retorque them using copper gaskets, Fel Pro, andthe Earls Pressure (by far the best I think).
So, have I stumbled onto something?Whenever you have your heads off have the holes drilled and install the steel inserts?
Just my simple observation.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
would make some sence... the fact is that aluminum changes temp at different rates then steel, so, the bolt holes expanded and contracted, leaving the bolts loose.
Now, steel inserts, if installed correctly, would stop that trick... my concern is if the insert decides to come loose...
Now, steel inserts, if installed correctly, would stop that trick... my concern is if the insert decides to come loose...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
I saw how they inserted them, and I dont see them coming out easy. Maybe there is a machinist here who can explain it better. I am perplexed, and it is nice not having to tighten them.
I have a picture if you want to see it installed.
I have a picture if you want to see it installed.
Last edited by steve40th; May 9, 2005 at 12:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
I didnt ask my machinist what they were called, but he said they work much better than helicoils, and the price wasnt much. I can email you a photo installed, but not out of the head.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I've never seen these, I like them! If anyone has more info, please post. Thanks Steve and Ben. 
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Kalamazoo MI
http://www.timesert.com
I used these in my Fidanza aluminum flywheel. Awesome little doo-dads if you ask me.
I used these in my Fidanza aluminum flywheel. Awesome little doo-dads if you ask me.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by k99ja04
http://www.timesert.com
I used these in my Fidanza aluminum flywheel. Awesome little doo-dads if you ask me.
I used these in my Fidanza aluminum flywheel. Awesome little doo-dads if you ask me.
