Header Bolts....i'm Scared...

[Mstng93SSP]

OK, So that 94 Cobra...you know, the one I am leaving stock...ummm...sorta, well not really,,,aaaaanyway, I want to put on a set of headers. The original headers are still on the car..yeah, the ones from 1994. I am worried about those bolts coming out nicely. The last thing I want is to snap a header bolt taking them off. Any suggestions? Advice? Just go for it...?

 

[RangerJoe]

Prep them with PB blaster for a few days leading up to it, assuming you aren't driving it every day. And I have always had good luck using a propane torch to heat and loosen bolts.

Joe

 

[srtthis]

heat and PB blaster or kroil

 

[Boostedpimp]

Prep them with PB blaster for a few days leading up to it, assuming you aren't driving it every day. And I have always had good luck using a propane torch to heat and loosen bolts.

Joe

^^^ this

 

[Dan02gt]

I've changed more that one set of headers on a stock 5.0L and have never had a issue. When I did them on my 91 most of the bolts were slightly more than hand tight.

 

[mikestang63]

get the engine warm when you remove them. Use a good penetrating liquid like Kroll or PB blaster. I use stainless steel allen head bolts with lock washers and they never back out.

 

[Deleted member 215073]

What others have said, Kroil or PB Blaster. I'd replace the bolts with Stage 8 locking header bolts as well.

 

[srtthis]

i wouldnt waste my money on locking header bolts.

12pt bolts from mcmaster with a dab of RTV on the threads and you'll be set. prob only run you like 20 bucks all said and done and be a lot easier to deal with

 

[bird_dog0347]

i wouldnt waste my money on locking header bolts.

12pt bolts from mcmaster with a dab of RTV on the threads and you'll be set. prob only run you like 20 bucks all said and done and be a lot easier to deal with

Plus the $40 in shipping to Hawaii.

As others have said, penetrating oil (#MeToo) and some heat.

 

[srtthis]

yea your going to get hit with that no matter what LOL.. its the price you pay to live in paradise

 

[Gfcobra04]

i wouldnt waste my money on locking header bolts.

12pt bolts from mcmaster with a dab of RTV on the threads and you'll be set. prob only run you like 20 bucks all said and done and be a lot easier to deal with

You need to watch this video and learn what silicon does to threads.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XREsRG9Y1mU

 

[General karthief]

I'm not going to watch the video, please tell me what happens, I take it you disagree?
I'm not critical, just curious

 

[Hoytster]

I'm not going to watch the video, please tell me what happens, I take it you disagree?
I'm not critical, just curious

From the video: RTV sealant can build pressure when curing inside a blind threaded hole which can damage the casting or weaken the threads. He recommends to only use anaerobic sealant.

Have to say, those "plastic" discs they are using clean the gasket material off the aluminum case sure look like 50 Grit 3M Roloc Bristle discs. Not sure I would use one of those on aluminum, definitely not on an aluminum head or any critical sealing surface for that matter.

 

[General karthief]

I agree with using roto discs on aluminum, they make a specific discs for aluminum, I don't use anything on my header boltsdon't
Thanks.