i just recently blew a header gasket due to bolts backing out. i bought some expensive copper gaskets as replacements and used medium (blue) thread lock on each bolt. the gaskets did come with lock washers but my bolts are really stubby and these lock washers are extra wide, so really only about 3-4 threads would be grabbing. a guy on one of my other posts said threadlock wont work and i should use the lock washers. what do you guys think would work best on keeping these bolts in? i just want to get a few extra oppinions instead of putting all my faith into one. i made a poll to keep it simple

 

Threadlockers are usually not suitable for high temperature applications. Indeed, the easiest way to remove a bolt held in with a high strength threadlocker (like LocTite 262) is to heat it.

 

as a rule i prefer loctite and flat washers, but like vader said any thing around a heat source isn't the place for a thread locker.

 

Maybe I'm living right......but I'll say it again...

IF the flanges on your headers are FLAT ( if they aren't no gasket and bolts in the world will fix that ) then go buy (2) sets of replacement FELPRO STOCK exhaust manifold gaskets.

Install them doubled up, with the metal side of one to the head, and the metal side of the other to the header. I use RTV just to keep 'em together and in place.

I also use the BIGGEST head bolts I can....I did have to clearance one tube slightly to clear the bolt head, but it was easy enough. I also use loctite red.

I've NEVER......repeat NEVER had a header leak at the head since I started doing this YEARS ago...the only time I ever had a leak was when the flange on the used headers I had were WARPED.....changed headers, no leaks.

I've got about 10k miles on my Hedman's in the IROC this way, NO Leaks. I can hear the injectors ticking from the front of the car...now the exhaust leak I have at the cat converter flange is a different story


HTH

 

Get some stage 8 locking header bolts or split locks.
http://www.go-breslin.com/Splitlock.html

 

alright, thanks for the help guys. i guess ill invest in some longer bolts and use the lock washers and mabey some red loc-tite.

 

those split lock bolts look pretty cool, bet they cost an arm and a leg though

 

Yeah and they SUCK too! If you ever have to take them off, you'll be inventing new curse words believe! And after they cost an arm and a leg, you'll be wondering why you spent that much and why you didn't just put a dab of high temp silicone on the threads to keep the bolts in place!

 

Use Stage 8 bolts. They don't cost an arm and a leg (just an arm) and they work very well.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...79&prmenbr=361