Brian21

Ok, one of the exhaust manifold bolts on my L03 keeps working it's way loose. It's the bolt on the drivers side closest to the firewall.. When I first got the car, it had a huge exhaust leak, ticking like no tomorrow. I went under there and found that same bolt about half-way hanging out. I tightened it up, but since then, I've had to retighten it 3 times.
This is getting a little ridiculous, are there any tricks to get it to stay in there? It just seems to be this one stupid bolt. It's torqued down to spec. I was thinking of going a little tighter, but I don't want to overtighten it.

I also have what appears to be a random miss that I haven't been able to track down just yet. If the miss is on the cylinder closest to that exhaust manifold bolt, could that in any way contribute to the loosening of this bolt? I really don't think so, but I figured I'd ask anyways.. Thanks.

86camaro383

iTrader: (3)

try using a lock washer next time, if that dont work, blue lock tight.

Brian21

I was thinking of using locktight. Even though it's only medium strength, do you think this will cause problems trying to remove the bolt in the future?
Only asking because I do plan to put headers on eventually.. Just not yet.

Joelfke

i would suggest putting antiseize on the bolt and tightening it again...a little over torque spec..and see how it goes...whatever you do you DONT want a exhaust bolt seizing up on you later on

Blue_Thunder

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunatly Chevy has problems with exhaust manifold bolts backing out on their cars. And its usually the ones by the firewall on either manifold.

Brian21

Yeah, that's what I've been hearing.. Wouldn't be so bad if the two bolts that are known for backing out weren't so damn hard to get to.

I think I'm gonna torque it down again tomorrow, but go a little tighter than spec.

David M

I had the one on the drivers side at the very front work it's way loose about 10 yrs ago. Put a new bolt in it and it's fine. Now just last week the one on the pass side rear by the firewall worked it's way loose and the car sounds like a pulpwood truck! Going to get a new bolt for that one tomorrow.
Why in the world do small blocks do this?!!

zenish

you could always drill a hole through the head and safety wire it.

SDTransAM

iTrader: (5)

stage 8 locking fasteners. They do make locking header bolts.

If you don't get those...

Torque the bolt, run the engine for 2-3 heat cycles, let it cool completely, torque it again. Do that 2 or 3 times in a day. And it shouldn't back out again.