header bolts need re-torquing

[Scott W]

I had my header gaskets replaced last week, and now the bolts are pretty loose and need to be re-tightened. with my headers its a tight squeeze and some of the bolts are a p.i.t.a. to get too. what tool do I need? wrench, socket with elbow? and do I need to remove my cold air intake to get to the passenger side bolts? any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Mavrick]

A ratchet, a universal (elbow), a couple different sized extensions, and the right socket or allen bit. It's very easy.

Your cold air intake should come off with only losening a few standard screws and removing the connector from your MAF sensor.

 

[Michael Yount]

I can only get a small box-end 8mm wrench on most of mine. I've found if I play contortionist, I can get to them all without removing anything - although, taking the spark plug wires off seems to help. Just snug them back up. Put it through a few more heat cycles and check them again. Some people chase this problem nonstop; others seem to stay tight.

 

[venom88]

I suggest a small gear wrench or wobble socket. To save you this trouble again you should consider stage 8 locking bolts. I got them and love them never tighten or blow gaskets again.

 

[Scott W]

thanks, I'll have to buy a elbow - I can;'t find mine. I have an 8mm wrench, only problem is its only about 4" long. Time to buy some proper tools.

I guess i should wait till the car cools down - half of my problem is me burning my knuckles on the headers - those things get damn hot

 

[Michael Yount]

That's about how long the wrench is that I use. It's sufficient - if all's well with the seal. If not, you'll have to use the locking bolts anyhow. Hard to say what the factors are - I snugged mine once after the first heat cycle, and they've stayed tight since. I'd let it cool enough that you're not burning your hands, but things should still be a bit warm.

 

[RYC CUKR]

after having my header bolts loosen up and frying both gaskets I went out and got some Stage 8 locking header bolts. A very worthwhile investment. So there you have my suggestion.

 

[Scott W]

good idea. I was able to get the bolts re-tightened. If they loosen again I'll look into some locking bolts. thanks again guys.

 

[89MustangGX]

I guess i should wait till the car cools down - half of my problem is me burning my knuckles on the headers - those things get damn hot

I think with the car warm is the best time to tighten them -- they seem to really seal up and stay that way. But check them a couple more times and if they don't come loose after a few days, they probably won't again.

 

[Henceforward]

Here's what I use to combat header bolts...

 

[89CopCoupe]

If your exhaust (mid-pipe, catback) is binding up on the headers you will have more of a need to retighten as well as burn gaskets.

 

[ironmedic]

get stage 8 locking bolts. i put those on when i did my headers and never had to re-tighten them

 

[89CopCoupe]

Where can 1 get these 'stage 8' locking bolts?

 

[venom88]

I know that summitracing and ramchargers sells them. www.summitracing.com or www.ramchargers.com

 

[squall9393]

Check out these guys as well. They sell to the military quality die hard locking bolts.

www.go-breslin.com