A friend of mine has a '92 F250 with a 460 engine running headers. The header bolts keep comming loose causing an exhaust leak, I've heard that header/manifold bolts are a problem on the 460's. Anyone have a fix for this? Maybe using a softer more elastic (stainless steel?) bolt or something?

All input appreciated.

JohnF

 

The problem isn't with the bolts. All header bolts want to back out. I have several solutions for you to try. 1- double up on the header gaskets. 2- Use lok-tite on the bolts. 3- Check somewhere like a local speed shop or a hi-po parts catalog (like Jeg's or Summit) for lock washers for the header bolts. I have been plagued for decades with this problem. Each of these solutions has worked. Good Luck

 

You need to get the stage 8 bolts
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=303
this is what they look like but summit didn't list the 460.
I know they make them for the 460's because I put them on my Centurion when I installed the Thorly headers. After the initial torque check I have yet to have one come loose after 3 years .
They take a little more time installing but it's worth it.


1989 Centurion Classic Bronco

[link:groups.yahoo.com/group/centurionconversions/|https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=3476&.jpg]<-< Centurion Club
1979 Bronco XLT
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=3923&.jpg

 

I used copper permatex on the gasket surfaces before installation of my Gibson headers and they have never come loose.

 

Ok, I'm an idiot. The thing has stock exhaust manifolds. He has taken it back 4 times for them to resurface-replace-repair, etc. but after about a month the exhaust leak happens again. He has retightened the bolts at week intervals also. This time I guess they've resurfaced the manifolds and put them back on without gaskets, they appear to be having the same problem with another truck of the same year and engine. Any recalls going on for this problem?

Same advice for stock manifolds???

JohnF

 

Yes.
1989 Centurion Classic Bronco

[link:groups.yahoo.com/group/centurionconversions/|https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=3476&.jpg]<-< Centurion Club
1979 Bronco XLT
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=3923&.jpg