Great thread. I'm glad it's come back to life. I've got some leakers that need attention. Great ideas. Thanks.

 

I guess the real reason most all gaskets fail is not reading the instructions in the motor manual books. Plus they don't use the lock tab washer. Ford even used graphite high Temp grease with the "HEAT SHIELDS" Not gaskets. Once those lock tabs are left off the bolts work loose and you've got a leak again. My ex in laws have a 62 Merc. they got new. It's got 144,000 miles on it. The heads have never been off. And that 352 motor has never been apart or had any kind exh manifold leaks 53+ years they've owned and still driving it too this day. Ya got a use locking type bolts and heat shields or high temp rtv. Heat shields are just stamped out sheet metal a raised ridge to make a compressed thin steel seal.. Ford figured it out and tells how to do it, but no one follows what the books say.. Do right is doing it once..orich

 

When I inherited my truck those logs were leaking and had blown out like a torch. Never saw any locks but who knows how many times they had been off, and don't get me started on those donut gaskets.....

 

Mac's sells A Kit includes 16 bolts with correct lower case letter f on the head, 16 locks and 16 flat washers. This kit does not include the special hook type lock used on the right side to hold the choke tube in place. Our 9A447-AST & 9A447-CST both include the correct hook type lock.

Ford Thunderbird Exhaust Manifold Bolt & Lock Washer Kit - 32 Pieces - 352 & 390 V-8 View More View Larger

PART # DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY
B8AE-557 Ford Thunderbird Exhaust Manifold Bolt & Lock Washer Kit - 32 Pieces - 352 & 390 V-8

Mac's sell these heat shields. but cheaper at auto zone and many other auto parts stores sell the Heat Shields Victory, fel pro, so on..orich

 

As I stated earlier, ARP sells the lock ramp bolts that were stock on the factory cast iron headers. One piece bolts that are self locking. Best on the market in my opinion.

 

Part # on the ramp lock bolts ?

 

Can I replace the bolts one at a time ? On other engines that I have had experience with it is just as important to in torque in the same sequence . So should I start in the middle or out side as I replace the bolts ?

 

Virginia Classic Mustang lists the ramp-loks for factory cast iron headers as;

68 thru 70 428cj=EH-110
69 390 = EH-111

I mis-spoke earlier, old age. They are two piece. Hope this helps. As stated before, I've never had an exhaust leak using them.