Crossthread on Headers?
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Crossthread on Headers? I was putting headers yesterday and i've got it all the way done just about but on the pass. side the middle right and back to bolts will go into the block about 1/2 way then get really tight i don't want to keep going in fear of really messing up the block farther but what can i do to get this bolts up tight the other bolts work bolt up just fine. and i don't know a lot about heli coils any ideas?
agreed on the thread chaser, but if that doesnt work, your next bet is a helicoil. if that doesnt work, your going to have to pull the head and have it welded and re drilled.
what i would do, its kinda back woods but ive done it before, is use a thread chaser to fix the threads, then if its still a loose fit, put a little bit of JB weld on the threads, then a little in the hole and thread it in and tighten it down the best you can without stripping it. that should hold it.
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ya that sounds good i plan on replacing the heads in the future but if i do the method with the JB weld and i can only get the bolts in 1/2 before they get really tough this will cause a exhaust leak wouldn't it at the block?
thats why i said chase it first to get a good pattern on the threads, to where it will go in all the way, and if its still a loose fit and on the verge of stripping, the use the JB weld. its not going to be a permenant fix, but it will work for now.
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Definitely chase those threads. WD40 works good, but what i find works a little better is air tool oil or firearm lube (rem oil, slip 2000, etc.). If the bolts are only going in half way you probably cross threaded those holes pretty good. Because of this, when you chase those threads with the tap your going to want to go a little a time. Tighten the tap down a few turns, then remove it and clean off any shavings, reinsert the tap and repeat until the threads are fully cleaned up. This SHOULD work. Just take your time and don't get frustrated! GL
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Thread Starter
12 Second Club
Joined: Jun 2010
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Use the tap to fix the threads and it took some time but it was worth it turned out great thanks guys. Got a little bit nervous when i realized what happened, my first time putting headers on other then that everything eles when smooth as can be.
Glad it went well. Just be extra careful with those two chased holes when you go back and re tighten them after a few weeks. Those chased threads aren't as going to be as tenacious as it was originally, they will strip easily if you go over board with the tightening... Remember those heads are aluminum.
