00BadassTA

iTrader: (2)

So I have been installing my new pacesetters for a couple of hours and I came to a problem. The front header bolt on the drivers side decided to not thread into the hole at the right angle and I am wondering if I am screwed or how can I fix this.

JMBLOWNWS6

iTrader: (17)

So are you sayng the hole on the header flange doesnt line up unless you put the bolt in at a angle? I had one set do that and what I did was drill the hole out a bit. I always make sure every bolt is in before I snug everything up. Hope that helps.


Joe M

00BadassTA

iTrader: (2)

no unfortunately I am not talking about the header flange but the head.

JMBLOWNWS6

iTrader: (17)

Well if you are talking about the head since its in the front I would tap it and add a helicoil. But I would tap it and try to reinstall the bolt first to see it that works first.

00BadassTA

iTrader: (2)

I have never messed with tapping before would that be easy for a beginner or would you suggest me taking it somewhere.

JMBLOWNWS6

iTrader: (17)

Tapping is really simple if you have the correct metric tap and die set. But if you are not comfortable then just take it to your local speed shop. At least its in the front and not in the rear where it can be a pain in the *** to fix.

00BadassTA

iTrader: (2)

I appreciate the help. I might check into doing it myself but if I dont will I be fine to drive it even though it will have the exhaust leak.

JMBLOWNWS6

iTrader: (17)

Exhaust leaks on any EFI car are bad. The car will not run properly. Especially pre O2 exhaust leaks. Just get it fixed ASAP if you must drive it like that. More than likely it will ruin the gasket.

BigDaddyBry

iTrader: (15)

It'll may run poorly but if it's temporary (like to take it to someone to fix) it won't harm anything.

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

Sounds like the bolt is trying to counter-thread. When this happens to me, as I tighten the bolt I force it to go in straight. As you tighten it, it will begin to go at an angle, just push it back down and keep tightening. It may or may not work. What you can also try is buying a tap and just chase the threads a little bit. No expirience needed for this. This should clean out the threads enough to let the bolt go in straight.

NBM2001z28

iTrader: (43)

Where are you located? If its in Illinois, Shoot me a pm...

00BadassTA

iTrader: (2)

So you think I will be fine to drive it up to the shop like this because I really dont feel comfortable doing it as I might screw it up even more.


I am located in Springfield, missouri right now but thank you for the offer.

02SSLE

iTrader: (26)

cross threads better than no thread lol

BigDaddyBry

iTrader: (15)

If you are going to take it to have someone tap it, then you won't have any probs. I drove with my rear ones half bolted in for about a month. They wouldn't go in straight and it was taking too much effort to get them in. Car drove fine, but there was a ticking sound from the exhaust leak.

Another thing you can try is spray some PB Blaster on your header bolt, thread it in until it starts going crooked, and repeat this process a few times. I got some gunk out this way.

john shea

Make sure you have the gasket on right the only time
I had trouble with bolts I had the gasket flipped with the exhaust
side toward the head.

00BadassTA

iTrader: (2)

I ended up fixing the problem. The header flange did not line up properly so I drilled it out and was able to get it pasted the first few threads that were messed up.

Thank you all for the advice.