Potential headers issue
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Junior User
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Potential headers issue
I just took my truck in for an exhaust estimate. The guys at the shop voiced their concerns about snapping off the bolts removing the old headers, thus causing the need for a machine shop. Should this be a concern?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Westminster, Colorado
Well, I can tell you about my truck...the last guy that had it (or the guy before, who knows...) apparently stripped the bolts or did something wrong, becasue on the driver's side of the engine, the top bolts have had the threads drilled out on the engind and a bolt and nut combo was used instead....I've had the truck in daily use for 3 years now with no issues there.....so, even if they do snap off, all they have to do is punch/drill the old hole out and use the nut and bolt combo. Of course, if you want it kept all stock and perfect-like...that's another story.
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They said if the bolt snaps, I would need to replace the heads????? This was a "national chain", so I'm not so sure that they weren't just "trolling" for extra dollars. I'm going to take it to the "small" local owned shop next week, but would like to be more educated before doing so.
Elder User
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From: Westminster, Colorado
Yeah...I find that "chains" (with a few exceptions) generally do not have the best staff. My current muffler shop is staffed entirely by mexicans that all work in spanish...I have no idea what they say, but they were recopmmended and their prices are great! lol
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by sulldog66
I just took my truck in for an exhaust estimate. The guys at the shop voiced their concerns about snapping off the bolts removing the old headers, thus causing the need for a machine shop. Should this be a concern?
You would not have to have new heads but the broken bolts would have to be drilled and replaced.
Wish I could have better news.
John
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From: Madison, SD
Originally Posted by JBradley500
just start pb blasting them, or some other penetrant until your taking your headers off and that should keep your chances of not breaking them better.
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From: Angier, NC
I just finished drilling and tapping the one I broke puting my headers on. I did the headers myself because the muffler shop did not want to take the risk of broken bolts. The headers took about 2hrs. That was having to take out the starter un-bolt motor mounts and jack up motor before being able to get thge headers in. The broken bolt took about 4hrs and that was spent over a couple days of going to buy new tools (angle drill, bits, easyout, tap). I tried to drill it and then use an easyout first, but ended up drilling it larger and cleaning the threads with a tap. Hey I like new tols anyway.
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From: Madison, SD
Originally Posted by whitetrash
I just finished drilling and tapping the one I broke puting my headers on. I did the headers myself because the muffler shop did not want to take the risk of broken bolts. The headers took about 2hrs. That was having to take out the starter un-bolt motor mounts and jack up motor before being able to get thge headers in. The broken bolt took about 4hrs and that was spent over a couple days of going to buy new tools (angle drill, bits, easyout, tap). I tried to drill it and then use an easyout first, but ended up drilling it larger and cleaning the threads with a tap. Hey I like new tols anyway.
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gilby
When I re-worked my exhaust in my '67, the bottom bolts were no problem. But those top bolts, almost all of them, broke. I removed the heads and drilled them out, threads and all. I put in longer bolts with nuts on the backside. Works fine.
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Thanks for all of the replies. Based on the feedback, I think I will go with manifolds instead of headers. Now, paying someone else to remove the headers and put on the manifolds seems like it will be expensive. I am very handy but have no experience with cars. If i take my time removing the headers, should be fairly easy replacing the manifolds, right? If I get in over my head (i.e., breaking bolts), can I still drive the truck to a shop without headers/exhaust? Any advice would be welcomed.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Last edited by sulldog66; Jan 8, 2007 at 01:45 PM.
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Its not a big deal to drill and tap out the bolts..i have broken many off over the years..If you try heating up the flange with a torch it will probly come out..I used to have header leaks from time to time but when i put them in now. I put a little red silicone on the gasket..no leaks in the last 3yrs.also be real liberal with the never seize compound.Drilling it out and putting a nut on the backside works just fine..
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From: Westminster, Colorado
not sure what your budget is or what you'd consider "expensive." But, the muffler shop I found said they will do everything to the back bumper for $350. All I provide is the new headers and mufflers. Hopefully that will help for comparison.
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If you dont plan to race the truck or pull large loads. Hedders can be more trouble than they are worth..anyway you have to keep enough exaust on the truck so cold air cant get back to warp your valves..dont run it long with out headers or manfolds on it..good luck
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