problem with header install
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Roselle, IL
problem with header install I have an 98 corvette. We were putting on headers. When we took the #7 exhaust manifold screw off it started to **** water/antifreeze. Can we put silicone on the screw and install my headers?
I would think it's safe since the old small block chevys the knock sensor ran into a water jacket.
I would think it's safe since the old small block chevys the knock sensor ran into a water jacket.
That's not right, you may have some trouble inside the head. I would check that out before installing the new headers. Does the car run ok? Might as well check it out now while you are half way to pulling the head and save some headaches and money.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: DesPlaines,IL
Originally Posted by JamRWS6
Sounds like you have MAJOR problems.
This is what happens when you run the screw all the way thru without the header flange or a longer screw it is so close to the water jacket when you do this it goes thru to the water jacket,if the car runs good just silicone the screw and it should be fine,most chevys and some old chryslers have screws going into water jackets.
Heck half the screws in my LT5 run thru water and oil nothing a little teflon or silicone can't fix no leaks yet.
Last edited by LT5Pete; Jul 21, 2004 at 07:34 PM.
TECH Resident
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Originally Posted by LT5Pete
Can you guys explain or be a little more specific the major problems your talking about.
This is what happens when you run the screw all the way thru without the header flange or a longer screw it is so close to the water jacket when you do this it goes thru to the water jacket,if the car runs good just silicone the screw and it should be fine,most chevys and some old chryslers have screws going into water jackets.
Heck half the screws in my LT5 run thru water and oil nothing a little teflon or silicone can't fix no leaks yet.
This is what happens when you run the screw all the way thru without the header flange or a longer screw it is so close to the water jacket when you do this it goes thru to the water jacket,if the car runs good just silicone the screw and it should be fine,most chevys and some old chryslers have screws going into water jackets.
Heck half the screws in my LT5 run thru water and oil nothing a little teflon or silicone can't fix no leaks yet.
A coolant leak coming from inside the head is a disaster waiting to happen. If the coolant happens to seap out it could start pouring water into the exhaust and really rust and screw things up. Not to mention if the head is cracked that is an even bigger problem.
The LS1 is not designed to have the manifold bolts going through a water jacket or an oil passageway.
There is no reason to thread a header bolt all the way into the head w/o a manifold/header on it.
Sure you might get by with putting goup or some other sealant all over it to stop it from leaking but I come from the school of fixing the problem right..and there is obviously a problem if coolant is leaking out a header bolt hole.
