Hey guys, so i put hooker headers on my car about 2 years ago. When i put them on i tightened the bolts, drove it, and tightened again. About a month ago my car started ticking, sounded like a rocker so i was greatly concerned. Well i was letting it run the other day with the hood up and finally noticed every driver side header bolt was gone except for the 2 in the very front. I found one, the fourth, backed all the way out but a plug wire had stopped it from falling. It wasnt broke just backed out. Wa-lah, found the ticking sound, echaust leak, my question is why would every single one (except for 2) back out like that?

 

My rule with headers. Every time you change oil tighten the headers.

 

What gaskets? Maybe they had a shrinkage

 

Unless you have locking bolts they back out.

If your bolts are long enough, a strong lock washer will apply tension to the bolt and should reduce the amount it backs out. Should be able to get them at any hardware store.

 

Thanks, i figured it was most likely due to just heating and cooling, i just wanted to make sure there wasnt no crazy possible reason. Im just upset i lost 6 arp bolts lol

 

It doesn't matter what bolts, what gaskets your headers will always loss en off. Regular maintenance in these is tighten every oil change.

 

just like everyone else says, the bolts just back out over time....engine vibration along with heating and cooling. when i was doing my 350 build, someone suggested put anti-seize lubricant on them, it'll dry up and the aluminum dust will stay in and keep the bolts in place...i meant to try this but completely forgot when i was re-installing my headers, and with the pita they are, didnt want to redo all the bolts.

 

Use 1" long bolts fel-pro 140? Gaskets and a dab of anti-seize on the threads.
It has eliminated that issue for me.

 

I used anti seize on the header bolts on my last two builds. They still back out overtime. I usually tighten them once a year and I never have leaks.

 

it's a common problem, google locking header bolts and you will see lots of options, or just check them often..

 

3/4" bolts or 1" ?
most 3/4 will back out. Never had a 1" back out on mine.

 

It's just the nature of headers. Welcome to the club!

 

Thanks guys, i'll have to look for some lock washers and some anti seize

 

If you wanted to go all out you could use safety wire. We used them on nearly all the bolts on the F-15s. ARP sells them specifically or you could just drill the bolt head yourself (takes a small amount of skill).

 

the safety wire is a good idea if needed.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...ullyhosted_003

 

Dude, I've safety wired in some tough spots on F16's, and upside down inside the belly of an AWACS, but doing it on header bolts!? Lol. No thank you. I really dont think you could get the pliers down there. Especially on 7 & 8. They wouldn't come out if you did it though!

 

Definetly did my fair share of safety wires in the navy, i dont know what i would think if i bought a car and found the header bolts to have safety wire through em

 

locking header bolts indeed

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/stg-8911/overview/

 

Bolt tightness is directly related to the stress built up in the threads by torque that's applied to the bolt while tightening it. If bolts back out, they're not tight enough. With headers, the heating and cooling cycles don't help either.

I'm running SLP headers and never have had any issues with loose bolts. I'm using the stock manifold bolts in locations where SLP welded in stand-offs and black oxide SHCS in the other locations. All bolts have anti-sieze on the threads.

I've always felt that split type lock washers are useless as they flatten out way before the bolt even gets snug and before there is any stress built up in the threads. They essentially become flat washers at that point. They might dig into the faces of the mating parts but by then the bolt is already loose.

 

Ok so im trying to get my header lined up, i loosened the 2 bolts on the front, the only 2. Because the other holes aren't lining up. The header is half the bolts width to high, warped? I think i might take the front ones out to get the rear in as the front will be easier to get access to.

 

stick a small philips screw driver in one of the other holes and gently move the header. it should flex a little bit back into position.

 

I havent found anything small enough yet without hitting the steering shaft or fenderwell, thats why im thinking about pulling the front bolts out, get the rear in, then maybe have a better angle to get the front holes to line up. Then im just hoping all the ones in the middle fall into place.

 

I've used a couple of these http://www.spectreperformance.com/se...aspx?prod=4668

They work good when paired with the Mr. Gasket "Ultra Seal" gaskets. I just finally had a high rpm blowout on my daily driven V8 S10 Blazer after 60,000 miles. YES.....you read that right 60,000!! I also use the donut seals in the collectors instead of a gasket.

 

I always put one in the middle and tigten it about 3 turns just to hold the header in place, then put a rear one in, then the front one. Always just turning them enough to hold it. Then fill in the rest. This usually works.

 

Well i did everything i could trting to get the header lined up and no success. So my wife broke down and let me just get new ones, hooker 2460 like i have. 189 from AA+ $50 online coupon code with free shipping got it down to 139. i'll have em on monday. I know its better to save up for ceramic but im lucky she let me spend that much. I'll do somethin to keep these bolts from working their way out

 

I can't confirm if this works but I heard a trick to get header bolts to stay is to use thread tape aka teflon tape. I've had good luck with the hookers on my 69, had 1 bolt back out once. i put thread tape on it and tightened the rest. Haven't had any loose yet.

 

Back in the 70s and 80s we use to use Malox antacid on the bolts and drill a hole through the bolts and use wire to keep them tight. The good ol days. We also used fishing line to tighten up bolts and make them stick a little better.

 

sometimes , it helps to cut the flanges between the front and rear single pipes on headers. it helps with alignment issues. I also highly recommend copper header flange gaskets. along with "stage 8 " locking header bolt kits. it keeps them tight ONCE and for all.