Header bolts: plan of attack?

Redog · 05-24-2011, 04:25 PM

So my front header is leaking. I got those single port gaskets from Ben

I removed the top 3 bolts no problem, but I don't really have an idea of how to get the bottoms. I tried with my ratchet, and my stubby ratchet, both 3/8 drive. I don't know if I have a 1/4 drive 14mm socket. I'm not too worried about getting the bolts out, it's getting them back in and tight enough to not leak.

My question is, what did you guys use to back the bolts out and then get them back in. Plain old wrench? 14mm socket? From the top or bottom? (perfer the top) ratcheting wrench?

One of the bolts is missing a lock washer, I think that's why they backed out

AleroB888 · 05-24-2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redog

So my front header is leaking. I got those single port gaskets from Ben

I removed the top 3 bolts no problem, but I don't really have an idea of how to get the bottoms. I tried with my ratchet, and my stubby ratchet, both 3/8 drive. I don't know if I have a 1/4 drive 14mm socket. I'm not too worried about getting the bolts out, it's getting them back in and tight enough to not leak.

My question is, what did you guys use to back the bolts out and then get them back in. Plain old wrench? 14mm socket? From the top or bottom? (perfer the top) ratcheting wrench?

One of the bolts is missing a lock washer, I think that's why they backed out

looks like a 13 deep socket fits on mine (1 & 3), but the SC is in the way, can't get to them easy. and I'm not using gaskets on it.

[ion] C2 · 05-24-2011, 05:11 PM

Haha, clearance issues... I challenge you to reach my turbo manifold bolts at ASS.

Regular wrenches can usually get into places ratcheting socket wrenches can't.

Redog · 05-24-2011, 05:15 PM

I've been thinking about this now for about an hour, If i could get my big meat hooks down there, maybe I could have the ratchet pointing down instead of sideways.

Times like this I miss the Delta

13? I read on another fourm (talking Grand Am) they were 14's and 14 turned pretty good for me. Which bolts do you have? Do you have the locking header bolts from Ben? I was thinking about picking up a set

AleroB888 · 05-24-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redog

I've been thinking about this now for about an hour, If i could get my big meat hooks down there, maybe I could have the ratchet pointing down instead of sideways.

Times like this I miss the Delta

13? I read on another fourm (talking Grand Am) they were 14's and 14 turned pretty good for me. Which bolts do you have? Do you have the locking header bolts from Ben? I was thinking about picking up a set

I got some regular stock-type, I believe. they don't lock, I just check them a lot, since I had one back out once in the past.

Redog · 05-24-2011, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

Haha, clearance issues... I challenge you to reach my turbo manifold bolts at ASS.

Regular wrenches can usually get into places ratcheting socket wrenches can't.

As gay as it sounds, I'd love to feel around under your hood at ASS

I know about clearance issues. Fixed 2 Chyrsler minivans in work's parking lot (a thermo on a 2004 and a belt on a 2003, the 3rd had to be towed (shot alternator at midnight on Sunday morning)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AleroB888

I got some regular stock-type, I believe. they don't lock, I just check them a lot, since I had one back out once in the past.

OK

Cliff8928 · 05-25-2011, 01:32 AM

Those percy's split lock bolts that Wot-Tech carries is probably about the best locking header bolt you're going to get. I think Mfuller has them..

kwhauck · 05-25-2011, 04:54 PM

I bought them as well, they are yet to be installed due to my new headers needing modification...

Redog · 05-25-2011, 05:07 PM

I think that's the route I have to take.

I couldn't get the bolts out, but I tightened up bolts that I didn't even touch yesterday.

Would leaking headers cause misfiring?

AleroB888 · 05-25-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redog

...............
Would leaking headers cause misfiring?

Last week I fixed an exhaust leak on the downpipe flange. The bolt had backed out so far I could look in there and see the O2 sensor.

(one of those things I neglected for a bit too long, with moving and all)

Anyway, up until I fixed that, my fuel pressure gauge was fluctuating wildly, and I thought the regulator was bad, or there was a vacuum leak. Fuel pressure reads rock steady now, though. I wouldn't rule anything out on these PCM controlled cars.

[ion] C2 · 05-25-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redog

Would leaking headers cause misfiring?

Being someone who has dealt with various exhaust leaks as well, yes.

Redog · 05-26-2011, 12:20 AM

OK well I found a 14mm socket in with my dad's tools, this is a very shallow 1/4 drive so I'm thinking I can get that down in there. I'm also going to try to paint the front header with some VHT flame proof paint. Going with the silver. I was going to go black, but I decieded to go back

Doing all this at mom's house tomorrow. She has the driveway to do it in, plus the oil catch pan I need to do the upper rad hose that collapsed