Help, Tired of replace header gaskets!

J

jef0509

Founding Member

Oct 28, 2001

83

0

0

New Jersey

Sep 4, 2005

#1

• Sep 4, 2005

• #1

I have seen the threads in the past so I know many people have problems with header bolts backing out. I have tried to recommendations but I still can't seem to get them to stay on.

I have the BBK shorties. I even tried the locking header bolts, but the ones I got from Jegs miss the exhaust tube and backout anyway (One backed all the way out and is missing). I made sure I had an even 25ft/lb on the bolts. I tried tightening them after a hundred miles (it's a PITA to do it so often). I have been using Mr. Gasket, but I am switching to Fel-pro this time. I have some one inch bolts I am going to use. Any other recommendations? I've swapped these out three times already and I keep getting leaks!

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

BTW its a 91GT with BBK shorties, BBK catted X, and flowmasters

 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member

May 19, 2002

1,437

1

38

Orlando

Sep 4, 2005

#2

• Sep 4, 2005

• #2

I have used Stage 8 locking header bolts. Never had problem with them backing out. They can be a little tricky to put on but once on they should fix your prob

 

88gt

Founding Member

Aug 2, 1999

794

0

0

Drillers cabin

Sep 4, 2005

#3

• Sep 4, 2005

• #3

I use a small dab of red high temp silicone on the bolts. Since you're going to be there anyways, might as well give it a shot.


Good Luck...
Jim

 

maverick0716

Founding Member

Jan 12, 2002

3,924

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56

Chilliwack, BC, Canada

Sep 4, 2005

#4

• Sep 4, 2005

• #4

I don't use locking header bolts and I've never had a problem with them backing out. What I did when I installed them was check them often for the first month or so. Yes, they would move a bit, but just keep checking them until they don't move anymore. Usually the people who have problems don't ever check the bolts for tightness until they lose a bolt or have an exhaust leak.

 

D

Daggar

New Member

Jul 19, 2004

3,902

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Sep 4, 2005

#5

• Sep 4, 2005

• #5

www.stage8.com

 

legalize420

Active Member

May 21, 2005

1,541

1

37

South Florida

Sep 4, 2005

#6

• Sep 4, 2005

• #6

i checked mine eveyday for the first week after. get some gloves and get in there and tighten them while still hot. maybe get some lock washers.

 

S

shifterpilot5.0

New Member

May 20, 2005

49

0

0

Sep 4, 2005

#7

• Sep 4, 2005

• #7

I used the stock header gaskets from felpro. Never even backed out! Mabe it was luck

 

stang8urimport

Autozone Junkie

Founding Member

Jun 21, 2002

1,499

12

59

Daytona Beach, FL

Sep 4, 2005

#8

• Sep 4, 2005

• #8

I've always used Loc-tite. The stock header bolts are installed with loc-tite on them from the factory.... this is the reason the stock header bolts don't back out and leak...(for many many miles... My headers have never been off in 15 years, and 100K+ miles.. and I have 0 leaks) Good luck.

 

J

jef0509

Founding Member

Oct 28, 2001

83

0

0

New Jersey

Sep 4, 2005

#9

• Sep 4, 2005

• #9

Thanks for the help, I'll try some loctite and keep checking them.

 

RacEoHolic330

I like to dress like a pretty girl

15 Year Member

Mar 4, 2003

4,014

1,698

203

Allentown, PA

Sep 4, 2005

#10

• Sep 4, 2005

• #10

The main reason for header bolts backing out is because of crappy header flange quality. If the flange has the slightest amount of warpage to it every bolt isn't going to have the same amount of torque and, in turn, they will back out. I had problems with my MAC headers with bolts backing out. I bought a pair of Bassani headers and never had to re-tighten them again after one heat cycle. A good pair of headers will save you many headaches down the road.

 

Dbeck002

New Member

Apr 30, 2005

710

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0

South florida

Sep 5, 2005

#11

• Sep 5, 2005

• #11

Do felpro header gaskets have a UP side or DOWN side? Because i installed a set during the build and just making sure they are reversible.

 

legalize420

Active Member

May 21, 2005

1,541

1

37

South Florida

Sep 5, 2005

#12

• Sep 5, 2005

• #12

Dbeck002 said:

Do felpro header gaskets have a UP side or DOWN side? Because i installed a set during the build and just making sure they are reversible.

Click to expand...

not UP and DOWN, it has a HEAD side. i could be wrong but i dont think they are reversible. if they are reversible it would not say head side.

 

04sleeper

Founding Member

Jun 22, 2002

2,674

14

89

Dallas, TX

Sep 5, 2005

#13

• Sep 5, 2005

• #13

Try some Felpro 1415's, they have always worked well for me.

 

W

WhiteHeat306

Member

Nov 28, 2004

283

1

16

Philadelphia Suburbs

Sep 5, 2005

#14

• Sep 5, 2005

• #14

I use ARP header bolts with lock washers on them, along with a little dab of Loctite on each bolt for added insurance. No leaks since then.

 

Dbeck002

New Member

Apr 30, 2005

710

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0

South florida

Sep 5, 2005

#15

• Sep 5, 2005

• #15

legalize420gt95 said:

not UP and DOWN, it has a HEAD side. i could be wrong but i dont think they are reversible. if they are reversible it would not say head side.

Click to expand...

Mine did not say Head side or Header side. So i just put them in however. They seem to work.

 

legalize420

Active Member

May 21, 2005

1,541

1

37

South Florida

Sep 5, 2005

#16

• Sep 5, 2005

• #16

Dbeck002 said:

Mine did not say Head side or Header side. So i just put them in however. They seem to work.

Click to expand...

what kind of gasket? if it worked then its all good. im just going by what i saw when i did the gasket swap a few weeks ago. 1415's say head side.