header bolts

[1qwikScamp]

how do you get the last two bolts on the back driver side started and or tight :angry4: its freaking killing me i forgot to tighten them and when i poured my water in the rad. well i am sure yall know the rest. oh its a 360 with x heads and super compitition hookers i have some good ideas but i would like some more/better ones thanks

 

[dodge freak]

I have headmans so maybe this won't work but maybe it will. Start the bolts before the header is on the head all the way and start thightening them as the header comes up to the head. I would use a thread sealer on the threads--not thread lock, it might break taking them off. I also got S & K open end wenches to thighten the bolts, I use brand new ones each time and get them as thight as I can, the hard too get to ones, not the easy ones cause you can snap them. I use MR Gasket bolts with RTV on the gaskets but ARP bolts are better. Im cheap

 

[66dartman]

my header bolt heads are 7/16 so I used a 1/4" universal 7/16 socket and extension, and also a shorty wrench

 

[dgc333]

I used reduced head size bolts, as i recall they are 3/8" hex, those will gice you the clearance and allow you to tighten them with an open end wrench.

 

[superdart]

:withstup:

I used the smaller head bolts also and they worked great.

 

[1qwikScamp]

well today i went to ace hardware and got me some stainless allen head bolts and let me tell you guys i will never go back to the hex head bolts for headers. these bad boys went right in and tightend up great and since they are stainless i dont have to worry about rust or any other effects of oxidation i would reccomend them to any one else who is having this problem the ones i got for my x heads were 5/16 and 3/4 long. thanks guys for all the help its people like you guys that make me like this site so well

 

[dgc333]

Just one caution on using hardware stainless fasteners. The material used in these bolts is not as strong as the generic grade 5 steel bolts so be careful socking them down. Probally a very good idea to use some anti-seize on them to ensure you can get them out when you need to.

FWIW, I have Hedmen headers and there are a couple of places that you could not get an allen key into the head to use that type of fastener.

 

[dodge freak]

I believe there are header bolts with allen heads, those are the ones to use. Otherwise one may brake someday, either taking them off or maybe just from the heat and you be pulling the head off to get the bolt out. Can't say you were not warn.