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Old Nov 21, 2002 | 03:19 PM
  #1  
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dpoelstra
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From: Garden Grove USA
Broken Header Bolt

OK...out of 16 header bolts, one is giving me fits and I think it is ready to break off. The headers I am installing have a thick 3/8 flange, so how bad will it be if I have one missing bolt? Will it leak, or can I get a decent seal? I am still working the bolt but I am worried.

Suggestions?
 
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Old Nov 25, 2002 | 09:36 PM
  #2  
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From: Atlanta GA
Broken Header Bolt

I think it will leak and effect the torque of the other bolts. If you do break it off, what I would do is run the engine and let the manifold get toasty, shut off the engine, get a pair of visegrips and work forwards and backwards on the bolt with a lot of WD-40.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 01:54 PM
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dpoelstra
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From: Garden Grove USA
Broken Header Bolt

Well it broke off, and there was a broken flange from another bolt too. That side seemed to seal OK, but the other side, the drivers side, has a small leak. All the bolts went OK on the drivers side. Go figure. Any siggestions on gaskets to get a really good seal?
 
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 03:39 PM
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KJKozak2
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Broken Header Bolt

Check the workshop forum for tips & tricks for getting that bold out.

My favorite is to weld a nut onto what's left of the bold and use an impact wrench to remove it. The heat from welding it usually frees it up pretty well. It hasn't failed me yet.

Kevin K.

 
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Old Nov 27, 2002 | 09:01 PM
  #5  
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rebocardo
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From: Atlanta GA
Broken Header Bolt

re:gaskets

On my 390, it looks like someone used two gaskets on each side. I guess this is a trick I never knew.

 
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Old Nov 30, 2002 | 01:22 PM
  #6  
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From: Garden Grove USA
Broken Header Bolt

I know some old timer hotrodders that used that trick and swear by it. I think I may try it.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2002 | 08:09 PM
  #7  
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From: Waldport Lincoln
Broken Header Bolt

Re: Gaskets

I've tried a set of 'Dead Soft' aluminum gaskets that I had heard about from a 4x4 magazine. They work great! They were about $40 from NAPA, and they're reusable! I've never had a set seal so well, and I've had many sets of headers...

...'Just an idea.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2002 | 08:15 PM
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From: Bel Air, MD
Broken Header Bolt

 
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