hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

i just wanted to know if it was a problem to have one of the bolts on my passenger side header not on the whole way (1/8 inch gap between it and the header) all the other bolts went on fine, this one however was not very easy to put on. it started out fine, but i think it was slightly off the threads b/c 1/2 way through it got really tight. i tried repossitioning it, but that just wouldnt work. i'm not really worried about the heads, as i'm prolly gonna replace them, but i just wanted to make sure it was ok to have one of the bolts not compleetly flush with the header. there is no leak or anthing, so its not hurting anything right?

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

if its not going in all the way, there's something wrong. try putting a stud in there or running a tap in the whole. IF you can't do any of those things, then I would at least het a crap load of washers and put them between the bolt's head and the header flange.

hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

grrr...i really dont want to but if you think thats what i have to do i will... any other sugestions?

SPEEDYws6

iTrader: (9)

Try running a tap through there like he said. I had the same problem on one bolt (using stock bolts), it would just stop right at the end. So I used one of the shorter bolts that came with the headers.

yodawagon

maybe that hole isnt as deep. that might be why the header bolts are shorter.

ss rally red

iTrader: (8)

Welcolm to the cross threaded header bolt!!! I bet there are a **** load of them out there,LOL. At this point you have few options....leave it as is and hope it doesn't leak,as mentioned earlier, remove the bolt and install a few small washers to seat it against the header flange(most logical at this point),and last but not least you can always remove the head and re tap the hole......

NviouSS

iTrader: (8)

try redoing all the bolts. put the back one in first, then the front one. once you get those you should be good. i had a similiar prolbem like that and that's how i got it in.

gwj

Yeah. And it doesn't help that the stock bolts have some kind of sealer on them. When I put mine on, I had 2 or 3 that did not want to thread in straight on the pass side. I dropped the header back off and took a bolt w/lots of PB Blaster on it and threaded in and out to remove any crap in there, spraying blaster in each time I removed the bolt. Still ended up going with slightly shorter bolts on a couple 'cause the torque was getting incredible on the stockers and I was not going to try to get any broke bolts out. Was a Sunday & couldn't get a tap. BTW, if you are careful, you don't need to remove anything but the header to re-tap, just use lots of lubricant and don't try to thread the tap all the way in one shot.
Luck,
Gerald

Mirek

My stock headbolts were unbelievably difficult to put back in after installing the headers (new bolts) Then another set of bolts was even harder to put in my new heads. I tried backing them out and putting them back but at a certain point they just seemed stuck and I really had to reef on them for the last 360 or so. I mean REALLY use alot of power and a 1/2 inch driver. I did not cross thread any of them but I was afraid one would break. I had to re-use two of them too. Why does GM sell them in packs of 5 anyway ?

gwj

They figure you'll get lucky on at least one.
J/K. I didn't know that. Do the new ones come with any kind of sealer on the threads?

DanWS6

iTrader: (5)

I had the same problem with that exact hole. A quick run to the hardware store to get a tap and the problem was solved.

badmfkr

iTrader: (4)

first time I changed my spark plugs at 45K miles I was amazed how much strengh was required to get the plugs out.(car was started and warmed a bit
but not hot I thought this would ease the plugs out)
is GM using header bolt sealant on the plugs to?
and can this header bolt sealant be easily cleaner off for reusing these header bolts and the just anti sieze same stuff on spark plugs?
Thanks

hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

ok cool, thanks for the suggestions. ive contacted some friends, and when i have some spare time, ill go and get it taken care of.

IMJ

iTrader: (1)

Crossed Threads Are Better Then No Threads.... Lol Just Kidding I Would Try Another Bolt Or Like Everyone Else Said Run A Tap See If That Works...

hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

so is it cool if i run it in its current possition for a few days?

SLP LS1

Good idea, let me tell ya!

hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

so is it cool if i run it in its current possition for a few days?

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

I would at least get some cheapy washers from Home depot. I see exhaust leak in your future if it isn't torqued down evenly and correctly.

D

co.6z28

iTrader: (1)

werd me too, except it was four holes 2 on each head

hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

ok well thanks guys