leaky headers!
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Newberg, OR
leaky headers!
I had to beat and bend the crap out of my headers to get them around the Cordoba steering box. I hear this is a common problem. Can I get them to stop leaking if I can get a bit more torque on the bolts? The hex head bolts that came with the econo headers tend to round off when I try to snug them down. Anyone have success doing this with the ARP bolts with the 12 point head?
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Joined: Apr 2016
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I have used ARP reduced hex header bolts. They work great. Mr. Gasket makes header bolt lock washers that I have had good luck with as well. The washer is thick so a slightly longer header bolt is usually needed. Last time I bought them I think I got 1" long bolts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Pt.St.Lucie , Fla.
What type of gasket are you using ? Either use the copper sheet gaskets or the copper colored / base racing exhaust header sealant . Either never failed on the race car or the hot rod truck .
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Joined: May 2016
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From: Lewis County, WA
This gets my vote, if you can get the headers on/off with the studs in the head. ARP makes 12-point nuts for their stud kits, too.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Newberg, OR
looks to me like the stud uses a standard 3/8 nut and that's requires a 7/16 box end wrench and that won't clear the header tube. The far back one won't clear a 3/8 box end wrench so I'm left using the open end wrench and can't get much on that. A 3/8-16 allen head uses a 5/16 allen wrench so I might go that route for the ones that I can't get to with a socket.
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Elder User
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From: Newberg, OR
I have 2 sets of Felpro. one is thin with foil on one side and they were leaking a lot. The other set is thicker, maybe 0.040" and foil on both sides and those are leaking a lot less.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
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ARP makes header bolts with a 5/16 or 3/8 hex so you can get a box end wrench or socket on them. If your headers have thin flanges, 1/4" thick steel, as opposed to 3/8" steel or at least 5/16" thick stainless steel it might be difficult to permanently stop leaks. High quality headers typically don't have leak issues.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Morgan Hill, CA
Yes....ARP bolts...but buy some Remflex gaskets. They're a little spendy, but you'll never have a leak again. They are a relatively thick graphite composite sponge. The gaskets will compress to fill gaps and will handle the heat from exhaust.
Dan
Dan
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: in a barn
ARP makes header bolts with a 5/16 or 3/8 hex so you can get a box end wrench or socket on them. If your headers have thin flanges, 1/4" thick steel, as opposed to 3/8" steel or at least 5/16" thick stainless steel it might be difficult to permanently stop leaks. High quality headers typically don't have leak issues.
Ditto, and I have used socket head cap screws in tight locations. If the headers have thin flanges blown out gaskets will be a problem.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Newberg, OR
ARP makes header bolts with a 5/16 or 3/8 hex so you can get a box end wrench or socket on them. If your headers have thin flanges, 1/4" thick steel, as opposed to 3/8" steel or at least 5/16" thick stainless steel it might be difficult to permanently stop leaks. High quality headers typically don't have leak issues.
I bought some stainless allen head machine screws from the hardware store and will try 'em on the bolt locations that I can't reach with a socket.
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Elder User
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From: Newberg, OR
I've done that - but then the tube "straightens" out and will not clear the steering box.