Header bolts coming loose

[racered302]

I was driving on the highway today with the windows up and I heard an exhaust leak coming from the engine bay on the drivers side. When I got where I was going I took a look under the hood and found 1 bolt about to fall out and another I could turn with my fingers. What are you guys doing to keep this from happening? I heard about the locking bolts or wiring the bolts together. Some people have used Teflon tape or blue loctight and tightening them down after heat cycling a few time until they stay tight. These bolts aren't exactly easy to get too. The teflon tape idea sound pretty good to me. Anyone try this?

 

[Grant 302]

Are you stock or modified? I'd stay away from teflon tape...but no idea if it works.

I've used Stage 8 locking header bolts when I built my last engine (2V 4.6L) like this:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Stage-8/868/8914/10002/-1?parentProductId=749275

Never gave me any problems. Each bolt has both an inner and outer hex so you can use both allen wrenches and sockets for installation.

 

[Justin]

I wish they made stage 8 bolts for the 5.0. They don't list any for them. Mine haven't come loose yet with my ahr long tubes but I reused as many oem studs and nuts as I could


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[VoodooBoss]

Did you install the Kooks yourself? I can't imagine teflon tape is good for use in this application.

 

[pufferfish]

I have used the Teflon tape trick for many years. Works fantastically!

 

[racered302]

I had a shop install the Kook's for me, I didn't have the gahona's to tackle that by myself. I have an appointment to get them torqued down again on Thurs., hopefully for the last time.

 

[VoodooBoss]

I have used the Teflon tape trick for many years. Works fantastically!

What type of teflon tape?

 

[Brandon302]

Was this a tick or a wooshing? I just notice a whoosing that seems to rpm rather than speed dependant.

 

[pufferfish]

What type of teflon tape?

Basic plumbers tape. Header bolts. Driveshaft bolts. Flywheel bolts. Clutch bolts.

It's easier to "crack loose" than blue loctite, but still has excellent vibration resistance. It's also good for resistance corrosion between dissimilar materials.

 

[Grant 302]

I wish they made stage 8 bolts for the 5.0. They don't list any for them. Mine haven't come loose yet with my ahr long tubes but I reused as many oem studs and nuts as I could


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Your wish is granted. 8)

Looks like you were on your phone...but click that link I posted. It's for the coyote 5.0 metric bolts!

 

[racered302]

Was this a tick or a wooshing? I just notice a whoosing that seems to rpm rather than speed dependant.

I could hear a whoosing when I rolled up the windows and hit the gas. I could hear it on the drivers side.

 

[Brandon302]

I could hear a whoosing when I rolled up the windows and hit the gas. I could hear it on the drivers side.

Interesting, I have a similar sound recently.

 

[racered302]

From what I have read they need to be re-torqued or at least checked after a couple of heat cycles because of the gasket seating itself. I'm not sure if it's necessary if you use Loc-tite, locker bolts or the stage 8 system. The stage 8 look like they could be a royal pain in the ass unless you pull the engine. I still think the teflon tape would be the best route, frying pans get hotter then the header bolt. I tested it with a lighter and it has to get pretty hot before it melts, plus the threads stay clean if you ever have to remove the headers.