Header bolt help please!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: Tampa,FL
Header bolt help please!!
Ok here's the deal. I have a set of hooker shorties that were just installed 3 weeks ago. Now I have a wicked exhaust leak coming from where I believe to be the pass rear flange. The trick is how the heck do you get to that last header bolt on the pass rear for tightening?? It's almost impossible to get to. 
Also, anyone have an idea (other than a smoke machine) for exhaust leak testing. The shop I use has a smoke machine that goes in the tail pipe and really aids in finding the leak but I need a "poor mans" version. 
Thx!!
Also, anyone have an idea (other than a smoke machine) for exhaust leak testing. The shop I use has a smoke machine that goes in the tail pipe and really aids in finding the leak but I need a "poor mans" version. Thx!!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Originally Posted by ~db~
The trick is how the heck do you get to that last header bolt on the pass rear for tightening?? It's almost impossible to get to.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
With the first set of headers I had on this car, I used the 3/8" hex head bolts that came with them. The last one on the right side wasn't too bad with a 'C' shaped box end 12 point wrench. Since then I've used 5/16" allen head bolts, much easier to deal with.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: Tampa,FL
Originally Posted by 86PACER
It's simply a PITA, specially if you have big hands. I used a small 1/4" drive ratchet with a short swivel joint and short socket, from the top side.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Go to Pep Boys and on the bling bling isle next to import crap they should have some header bolts that use Lock wire to secure them to the one next to it or over the pipe. I had that same problem and those have held them in for me. Now if i can just find those for the collectors...
If they dont have them( i had to go to many stores to find them) they are made by spectre i think. The company that makes all of the stuff on that isle and they should be able to order them or get them from another store in the area. Good luck.
If they dont have them( i had to go to many stores to find them) they are made by spectre i think. The company that makes all of the stuff on that isle and they should be able to order them or get them from another store in the area. Good luck.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Summitt sells locking header bolts. Header bolts are bad about backing out. Once they do you are in for new gaskets. One of my regular maintenance items is to check all header bolts. BTY, I ground down a socket to get to the rear ones. Still a PITA but doable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Originally Posted by ~db~
Ya I tried that but OMG! You need to be plastic man with that limited amount of space. The hookers come with an install kit that has 3/8s header bolts but the primaries are 3/4 inch so the tube size makes it very difficult to get a bite on the bolt. I thought about going up from the bottom but that's impossible as well. I think I might have to shave down the side of a box end wrench and attempt that. Thanks guys
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
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From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by STL94LT1
Have you tried reaching it from under the car?
I get a couple of mine from underneath. The rest I get with a 1/4" drive socket set. I have a deep and a short socket set aside for the header bolts.Getting some from underneath works on spark plug changes too.