Exhaust Manifold Gasket

[85Iroc383]

OK! So I had one hell of an exhaust leak not too long ago, it was always kind of there on my car. When we went to figure out what was up, we found that the Exhaust Manifold Gasket was just obliterated on the way back of it. Also the two header bolts where missing from there position there. We installed new gaskets and used and air ratchet (the hand tightened as best we could) 2 new bolts. The car was running fine for almost a week until today when uh-oh the leak from hell was back! Any Ideas what the hell would be causing it to do this? See my sig for whats on the car. Any help would be appreciated!

Shocker

[Unusual95BlueBird]

Header bolts have been known to back out over time. I've heard so many stories just like yours it's not even funny. They do make locking header bolts, and that's what I'd suggest you use. I can't remember the company who makes them.....but i know they're out there.

Hope that helps!

[Z Ya Later]

Its the second set of items...

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=4&pcid=54

If you can fit those, that would be a good investment. If not, I believe you can use some low-grade Loctite to keep the bolts in place. The experts will probably know more.

[Joe 1320]

Yep... as mentioned, you need Stage 8 locking fasteners.

Threaded fasteners such as nuts & bolts can loosen when subjected to heat or vibration. To prevent this, bolts must be regularly retightened. Besides being unnecessarily time consuming, it can be damaging because it can lead to over-torquing. For this reason, Stage 8 locking fasteners has created a simple system that uses patented Groovelock Technology for keeping nuts & bolts tight without over-torquing.




114-8911-A Stage 8 Locking SBC Header Bolts, 3/8 X 16 - 1" long $39.99

[Injuneer]

A couple questions... are you talking "exhaust manifolds" or "headers"? If you have headers, did you check the header flange for flatness before you bolted it to the head? What kind of gaskets are you using?

In addition to the Stage 8 bolts, which sometimes present a problem fitting the split ring next to the primary tube, you might want to consider the Breslin Split-Lock header bolts... another quality product from Australia.

Breslin Split-Locks