Exhhaust Header bolts

[harv8]

I have hearing a leaky exhaust header recently. Today I found one of my bolts rolling around the engine bay.
I also found several other loose bolts. The bolts are ARP. Engine is Ford 302. Heads are aluminum RHS.
I have tightened them before. I think I have seen this problem discussed on the site, so I will search around. In the meantime...... Is there a fix for this annoying situation?

[JWD]

Use Stage 8 header bolts. It's impossible for them to loosen up.

[MGBV8]

Must be that Ford engine.  

I had to re-tighten mine a couple of times early on, but haven't touched them in over ten years, I'd guess.

[harv8]

OK...... Thank you gentlemen! .......and Carl  

[kstevusa]

Martyn, my header bolts (ARP) were loose and re-tightend once.  I did use Cat copper (tm) anti-seize on install to assist in removal if needed. Due to tight space, I used a 5" long open/box end 3/8"wrench to do the tightening. They have remained secure since then. Torqued by feel :-)

[Merv]

Martyn, your engine & mine are both pretty close to the same. This spring when I was putting my engine back in, I replaced my stage 8 header bolts ( I found them a pain to install)  with ARP bolts and used internal star lock washers.
I had to re-tighten bolts one or two times after 1st startup, but now after around 2000 miles header bolts are still fine.

[ex-tyke]

I had to re-tighten bolts one or two times after 1st startup, but now after around 2000 miles header bolts are still fine

....that about sums it up......a couple of re-torques along the way and bolts will eventually tighten.

[JWD]

That applies to those that use gaskets. As it compresses, the bolts need to be tightened up. I haven't used a gasket for the exhaust in 40 years, just like almost all OEM applications. A thin coat of hi-temp silicone, tighten them up and never had a leak. I use Stage 8 locks just to be safe.

[BlownMGB-V8]

This is one place where Rovers really do have the advantage. Their multi-layer stainless exhaust gaskets do the job right, and are infinitely reusable. Maybe someone makes them for the ford.

Jim

[JWD]

Due to superior machining processes, Ford & GM engines don't use gaskets. Maybe Rover/Bow Wow, should take a lesson from them.

[Jim Stabe]

Be careful using silicone if you have O2 sensors in the pipe.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Oh yes, that's just fine until the manifold warps a bit or the head flange deforms slightly. Seen plenty of that. Bow wow indeed!

The springiness of the stainless sealing bead tends to help keep the bolts from backing out too.

Jim

[mgb260]

Have any of you guys used these exhaust gaskets. I've heard good reports on them.

http://catalog.remflex.com/

[MGBV8]

OK...... Thank you gentlemen! .......and Carl

Never been accused of being a gentleman.  

[harv8]

nice hat!

[Jim Stabe]

Quote
Have any of you guys used these exhaust gaskets. I've heard good reports on them.
 
[catalog.remflex.com]

I just put a set on the headers in my LT1 Chevy install. They completely solved the leakage problem that existed with the solid copper gaskets that were in there previously.They are 1/8" thick and compress to 1/2 that when torqued to 20 ft lbs filling up any irregularities. The company has a money back guarantee. I highly recommend them.

[302GT]

I switched to remflex. I have already removed and replaced the headers with them and have no problems.