Keeping header bolts tight

[mountainview68]

Ok, has anyone used loctite or something similar to keep header bolts tight? I am running the stage 8 bolts, but they are a pain, and the don't stay totally tight. They can still backout until they contact the retaining clip, plus they are just tough to install. Any suggestions??

 

[JWMcCrary]

Not sure about loctite. especially if you were using aluminum heads. I have the stage 8 bolts on mine and haven't had a problem with them getting loose like the regular header bolts. I agree ..they are a pain, but so far mine have worked well.

 

[bronco italiano]

there is another header bolt that locks via an internal hex screw. I too had a heck of a time with the stage 8's and did alot of grinding to make them fit well. Do not use loctite. Use never sieze only on header bolts. the trick is to torque them then run the truck until at operating temp and retorque. I also use the aluminum squish gasket too. BI

 

[76Broncofromhell]

Do not use Loctite on header bolts!

The easiest way to keep them tight is to use dead soft aluminum gaskets as they don't contract like paper gaskets do. They also don't blow out if a bolt loosens up. I usually tighten my bolts once or twice a year so I don't really see the utility in spending a boatload of money on locking bolts that are a pain in the ass to install.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Last set of headers I ran I had no problem. Secret? Simple, Safety wire. Picked up a set of ARP header bolts for a big block Chevy that were already drilled for safety wire (same as a small block ford). Then when I put them on I wired them across the tube. No rattles like the stage 8’s are known for. Fairly cost effective as well. Completely reusable (just need new wire). Field serviceable without special tools.

 

[jurob]

cheap lockwasher!

 

[phred]

I agree with the safety wire. If it works on my airplane its gotta work on the truck. Almost all the critical nuts and bolts on my truck are wired.

 

[gearida]

I have copper gaskets that are usable for a lifetime, and as said only check a couple times a year after the first warm up and retight.

 

[76 bronco J]

>>>>> as said definetly don't use loctite , use plenty of anti seize to make sure the head threads stay perfect ....the best gaskets I've ever used that don't leak or loosen with regular bolts are the pressure master header gaskets sold by Earls .... these gaskets made by the Parker Hannifin Corporation for them feature a aluminum retainer with replaceable graphite foil inserts...... http://www.holley.com/data/Catalogs/Sealing Systems.pdf.

 

[Dan76]

I typically cross thread things to keep them tight.

No but seriously I agree with the safety wire. We use safety wire all the time on aircraft in my shop, as long as its done correctly it'll never move! You can even pickup a pair of safety wire twisters to make things extra pretty looking!

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/wiretwisters.php

 

[brixter]

>>>>> as said definetly don't use loctite , use plenty of anti seize to make sure the head threads stay perfect ....the best gaskets I've ever used that don't leak or loosen with regular bolts are the pressure master header gaskets sold by Earls .... these gaskets made by the Parker Hannifin Corporation for them feature a aluminum retainer with replaceable graphite foil inserts...... http://www.holley.com/data/Catalogs/Sealing Systems.pdf.

I use the same Earls gaskets and regular SS 3/8 head ARP header bolts. Mine hhavent backed out in two years of daily driving .

 

[NicksTrix]

wired here

 

[mountainview68]

Last set of headers I ran I had no problem. Secret? Simple, Safety wire. Picked up a set of ARP header bolts for a big block Chevy that were already drilled for safety wire (same as a small block ford). Then when I put them on I wired them across the tube. No rattles like the stage 8’s are known for. Fairly cost effective as well. Completely reusable (just need new wire). Field serviceable without special tools.

Did you buy the special pliers???

 

[NicksTrix]

to do it right it takes special safety wire pliers. you can find some cheap ones at the discount tool stores such as northern for about 20 bucks.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I got my pliers and wire here http://www.airpartsinc.com/products/safety-wire-twister-pliers.htm back when visiting the parents seveal years ago.

 

[wildbill]

This is what I do works very good. The headers were put on in 86 and not touched since. I use a allen bolt with a nilon insert on the threads. I wet the gaskit and install torque down start motor run till hot and then retorque and let cool till cold and do it once more and you will be good to go. This has worked for me for over 40 years good luck. Bill ;D

 

[Dan74Bronc]

I had this same header bolt coming loose problem for quite some time. Finally I tried a nickle based anti-seize compound and never had another issue. I use it on everything now. It's all about properly stretching (loading) a bolt.

 

[RedLeg0811]

The nickle anti sieze and silver are good, but DO NOT use any copper on your aluminum heads. The copper causes the aluminum to corrodes. Per the metalurgest at my work. She said the non metallic anti-sieze by loctite might be better then these two as it takes the two different types of metals out of the equation.

By the way I have ARP with safety wire.