Anti-seize on header bolts?
07-30-2005, 04:25 PM
#2
Originally Posted by Xtnct00WS6
I'm doing an install of Pacesetter headers. Should I put either anti-seize or lock tight on the header bolts? Should I just put them in as is?
Thanks!
Thanks!
07-30-2005, 09:16 PM
#7
I not 100% on this but,I have read that you should use anti-sieze because the heads are aluminum (softer metal) and you don't want to accidently cross thread and/or damage the threads when putting the header bolts in...
Maybe a good set of locking header bolts would be good if you are worried about them backing out...just a though man...
-Milt
Maybe a good set of locking header bolts would be good if you are worried about them backing out...just a though man...
-Milt
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07-30-2005, 10:27 PM
#8
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The stock manifold bolts are a special kind of bolt (can't remember the technical term) but they have pretty good retention. And he's right about the aluminum, just be careful, I use a dab of anti-seize on the tip about every other time i re-install them.
Torque specs from my 2002 Helm manual...
I'll paraphrase... Tighten 11 foot-lbs working center out the first pass... then tighten to 18 foot-lbs center out for the second pass...
I usually go over them again to make sure before i close the hood.. then again after 100 miles
Torque specs from my 2002 Helm manual...
I'll paraphrase... Tighten 11 foot-lbs working center out the first pass... then tighten to 18 foot-lbs center out for the second pass...
I usually go over them again to make sure before i close the hood.. then again after 100 miles
07-30-2005, 10:38 PM
#9
Use anti-seize. Retorque the bolts 3 times after heat cycles. I torqued mine to 25 ft-lbs, well a few of them anyway as my torque wrench is 1/2" drive it just won't fit on some bolts.
07-30-2005, 11:22 PM
#10
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I've had my stockers in my LT's for about 200 miles now. Thye haven't walked out. I checked them after 100 miles prior to install, stillTQ'd.. I never though of using anti-seize.
No loc-tite... MABIE a SMALL dab of the blue suff.. But otherwise, NO... I've been told by experienced personell that it's a bad idea.. -w/ aluminum heads anyway..
No loc-tite... MABIE a SMALL dab of the blue suff.. But otherwise, NO... I've been told by experienced personell that it's a bad idea.. -w/ aluminum heads anyway..
Last edited by bayer-z28; 07-30-2005 at 11:28 PM.
07-31-2005, 07:30 AM
#12
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I use never-seize on just about everything. I've never had anything back out, and it's indespensable on stainless. Aluminum and stainless gall threads easily. Just be careful you don't over-torque.
And, don't go crazy globbing it on.
And, don't go crazy globbing it on.
07-31-2005, 05:51 PM
#13
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Anti seize is good. I use it on my plugs every change. Better to spend a little time putting on a thin layer of anti seize than screwing up aluminum threads.
IMO.
IMO.
08-04-2005, 12:30 PM
#15
Anti-seize and lock-tite are basically opposites. Just put the bolts in and torque to spec. I would never put anit-seize on something that I don't plan on changing periodically (headers). I don't see why anti-seize prevents cross-threading or stripping, that's just user error. Anti-seize just makes it easier to remove the bolt. It's a lubricant.
08-04-2005, 02:22 PM
#16
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when I did my longtubes I noticed the stock bolts already had anti-seize on them, they havn't come lose yet, but i just installed them. On my other header installs I put the anti stuff on and had to retighten the bolts twice after the heat cycle, but after that they never backed out. I had a hell of a time getting my bolts out this last time, they were really stuck in there. I always use the stuff anytime I put a steel object into an aluminum one, because something about the way the metals interact make them want to fuse together, and if I'm not mistaken over time they actually can. So I'd rather put that stuff on knowing I can take the bolts out without breaking one off inside. I've had header bolts snap, and it sucks.
08-04-2005, 07:56 PM
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It's been my experience that anti-seize makes cross-threading less likely. Something about lubrication and everything going together smoothly. I couldn't write a paper on it, but it seems to work that way in my wrenching.
08-04-2005, 08:47 PM
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Loc-tite + Aluminum heads = Bad combination. You can just re-use the stockers, but if you are worried about them backing out, just get locking bolts. I tried putting Stage 8's in, but the bolts were to big for the holes in the heads, why you ask? I have no clue. Good luck with everything.
08-06-2005, 12:37 AM
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Lock-tight is fine to use with aluminum but I don't use it on header bolts, they are hard enough to get on and off as it is. I have noticed that it helps to prevent steel to aluminum corrosion as well, maybe not as well as anti-seize but better than nothing. I use either Anti-seize or lock-tight on just about every bolt or nut I install. I do use anti-seize on header bolt, especially with aluminum heads. Just use good copper or aluminum gaskets and retighten em a couple of times as has already been menteined.