Header bolts loosening?

[03redfiregt]

I have a serious question for all you guys who have headers. I am really interested in getting a set of headers but I keep hearing how you have to check the bolts periodically because they loosen up. And if thats the case i don't think its something i want to do because we all know what you have to do to put them in. I can't imagine its any eisier to check the bolts. I would really like to put them in and forget about it. SO from personal experience have you guys had any trouble with your bolte loosening up? have you ever checked them? help please.

 

[03redfiregt]

somebody?

 

[296blackstangs]

One word: threadlocker

 

[Ebaumann]

Get yourself some stage 8 locking bolts. They are a little bit tricky to put in but they work. I think there are several different makes for these type of locking bolts but they do work. I haven't checked my Cobra but I also have them on my V8 converted Land Cruiser (FJ40) and they work great.

Good luck.

 

[Rocky Balboa]

have my lt for over a year now... no problem so far

but yea.. the stage 8 locking bolts were what I was about to buy before installing my headers.. but never did

 

[03redfiregt]

WHat type of thread locker should i use? Can that stand up to the heat generated in that area?

 

[Blev]

installing headers this weekend. Wouldn't mind knowing the answer to the threadlock question.

Subscribing

 

[Skymarshal]

I would NOT put threadlocker on header bolts! The temperature in that area is too high, and who knows what effect it would have on the threadlocker. It might make it harden so much that you'll have to chase the threads with a tap the next time you have the headers off! No fun at all in close quarters.

The best way to lock header bolts is mechanically. The Stage 8 bolts are bombproof and are about $45 a set. There are several other types with tabs that jam against the header or wavy washers that resist loosening.

 

[03redfiregt]

I know ther are a ton of people in here with headers. I want to use the locking bolts but jba said they dont reccomend them. I still want to use htem though. But what about anybody else. have you guys had a problem with the regular bolts loosening? My only fear with the locking bolts is that if you dont put them on right i will have a problem.

 

[NasaGT]

I've had my JBAs on for almost a year with the stock studs nad nuts. I don't hear any leaks yet, but I am planning on checking the easy-to-get-to nuts sometime soon to see if any need tightening. If any of these have worked there way out a little, then I'll drop the midpipe, jack up the motor, and tighten up the hard ones as well.

 

[WhiteDevil69]

no audible leaks as of yet for me.. I used the stock studs and nuts on the driver side and the bolts and nuts that came with the kit on the pass side, I figure I will check it if there is a reason to (leak). No threadlocker here or crazy $50 bolts...

 

[296blackstangs]

Answer to threadlocker

I used the stage 8 bolts myself wi th threadlocker (Red-highest strength.) The stage bolts seem hard to start threading in the aluminum heads, and no I was not cross threading. So for assurance I put on threadlocker. With threadlocker there is blue and red. Blue is the lesser strength and red is the high strength. The headers will not come loose with the red, but if you have to remove them it will take some work. Treadlocker only melts at 800* F, so the heat from the engine will not affect the bolts. My advise use the threadlocker if you don't want an exhaust leak and don't plan to remove them.

 

[Defleshed]

Get yourself some stage 8 locking bolts

exactly what I did. by the way, the stock gaskets are really good, better than the cheese SLP sent me. I trimmed the stock ones to fit and reused em.