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Kirkham Motorsports

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Old 05-21-2003, 03:24 AM
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Default Headers loosening quickly on a 428CJ

I am having problem with header bolts loosening on my recently aquired EM 428 w/ Edlebrock heads. The header bolts loosen up every 100-200 miles or so. When I bought the car with 400 miles, it had already lost two bolts and now the gasket has blown because one of the other bolts was stripped (the driver rear which is nearly impossible to get to of course!).

Does anyone make a gasket with metal that is stronger than the wimpy compressed fiber ones that are on there now. The headers are mounted to the frame with a rubber mount to relieve stress, but only mount to the engine with 8 bolts which doesn't torque down the front and rear much - allowing the 1/4 inch wide or so gasket to blow out easily
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Old 05-21-2003, 03:52 AM
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Get yourself a set of Earl's exhaust gaskets!! Summit and others carry them.

I had the same problem and they fixed the whole situation!! They are aluminum frames (re-usable) with carbon inserts. You tighten them down once and that's it......NO MORE BLOWN GASKETS!!!

Best $30 I ever spent!!

Good Luck,
Jack
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Old 05-21-2003, 07:22 AM
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I solved the problem with a set of stainless header bolts drilled for safety wire. You wire two together.

Roscoe
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Old 05-21-2003, 08:37 AM
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Richmond,

I'm using a set of copper header gaskets. I ordered them through Summit. Haven't blown one yet. Of course I only have 50 miles on the new motor.

Chris
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Old 05-21-2003, 08:52 AM
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Sometimes it dan be helped by cutting the exhaust flange into four separate flanges.
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Old 05-21-2003, 09:55 AM
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Thanks! Does anyone have the part # for the gaskets that fit the edlebrock heads - when I bought the other gaskets, there were two port sizes and I needed the larger ones. I'll order today.
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Old 05-21-2003, 11:56 AM
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Found it - I guess there is only 1 - no idea what the smaller version(same outside shape) was for that they had at the parts store.
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Old 05-22-2003, 04:17 PM
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I have been told by a few people that to keep header bolts tight, you have to tighten the header bolts after every time you drive the car. After 4 or 5 times, they do not loosen up anymore. It has worked for me; quality gaskets help, too!
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Old 05-22-2003, 06:02 PM
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I switched to Stage 8 header bolts. They have a locking clip that keeps them in place. Put 'em on once and forget 'em. You can get them from Summit.



Go to: http://www.stage8.com/AutomotiveStart.htm

For more info.

Phil
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Old 05-22-2003, 06:21 PM
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I was about to suggest the Stage 8 stuff -- and wouldn't you know it, Phil -- you beat me to it. Good job.

Ben
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Old 05-22-2003, 06:56 PM
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Hi Ben!

Phil
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