Header Bolts

[Heath]

How are you guys out there with headers keeping your bolts tight... I was just on a two week road trip and by the time I got home my passanger side was leaking pretty bad... Tightening them every weekend is going to get old fast....

 

[explorer97]

Hey there wasup. you know i think mine got lose to i have to get down there and check it out. I am going to check them this weekend if they are i am going to put some lock tight on them.



Delfino Gabiel Mendez

 

[section525]

Try lock-washers too. I think keeping header bolts tight is a lost cause!

 

[SteveVB]

Stage 8

I have the stage 8 bolts and locking tabs that came with the Borla headers and havent had a problem with them loosening up.

They arent the easiest things to get on, but since they seem to work they're worth the added time. I put mine on, ran the engine to op temp a few times with cooling periods between. I then retorqued the bolts and added the locks.

From summit:

FMS-M-9432-A51 Header Bolts Locking 3/8-16x1 (Stage 8) $39.95 B/O

You could drill and safety wire them also.

Good Luck

 

[mrboyle]

The Stage 8 bolts are the only bolts I have ever seen that don't back off. Lock tight, lock washers, header bolts, regular bolts, etc.. don't work. The problrm is the header flange heats and cools faster than the bolts, over time this allows the tension on the threads to reduce and allows the bolt to back off. The locking tab on the Stage 8 bolts doesn't allow the bolt to back off, therefore they don't need to be retightened all the time.

 

[Heath]

Well I may have to get those... I have to find a temp fix for now though... Matt and I went out there tonight to tighten up the bolts, well they weren't just loose, they were GONE!!! Two of them... Little turds...

 

[Rick]

I just got a brochure to scan for FLY-N-HI today for "Split Lock Header Fasteners". These use an allen screw within the regular bolt to force the bolt into the threads. Hmmm, doesn't look like they are available in metric sizes though... Their phone number is 623-979-3690 if you're interested in seeing if they have something that will fit the Explorer.

 

[Heath]

my X takes 3/8" thread bolts... Not positive on the length though... About 3/4 inch I think...

 

[Rick]

Well that will work then. They have 3/8"x1" and 3/8"x3/4" available.

These really look nice. Here are some of the specs...

*Fasteners exceed the locking requirements of I.F.I by more than 300%

*Bolts are chrome moly with stainless steel allen screws for corrosion resistance.

*Also available in full stainless steel

 

[mattadams]

Rick, that looks awesome! If they made them in metric sizes I'd be all over that! (my f-150 takes metric nuts)

 

[Heath]

Hmmm, I may have to give them a ringy...

 

[james t]

i have used the stage 8's with the locking tabs on previous vehicles, and i can say they work awesome. never, ever had one back loose. although, those that Rick posted look much much cooler.

 

[Heath]

Okay, my Stage 8 bolts will be here tomorrow as well as some copper gaskets... Now, am i supposed to use locktite on these or no??? I don't want these bolts backing off and falling out at over $2 a bolt...

 

[james t]

no need to use locktite. they will hold.

 

[98X5.0]

I gotta give some credit to the Stage 8 bolts since I am using them on my "in progress" header install. The quality is top notch, and once you see how these things work you understand that there is NO WAY they can move. The ability to use the combination of 7/16" wrench and allen head wrench is great as well.

Install is going well by the way. Driver's side is all done and pass side is ready for the new header once I get the EGR boss welded up. Not sure why I heard that the 27mm EGR fitting was going to be a pain. An adjustable wrench clears fine. I didn't even have to modify the dipstick tube. My clearance issue with the AC compressor was just the heat shield. Should be able to button it up as soon as I get the EGR mod done. Hope it's worth it!

 

[Heath]

Well don't expect your X to suddenly keep up with your Cobra... But I did notice a better response at freeway speeds especially...