I'm not sure if I torqued my header bolts enough.

I read a header install guide from Sanderson headers, and they only recommended 15 ft. lbs. This seems way too low to me.

If I were to guess, I think mine are probably at about 30 ft. lbs. They aren't backing off at all, but I'm wondering if they were tight enough to begin with.

I'm asking this because I think I have an exhaust leak.

Should I crank on them pretty good? I used the copper gaskets with the embossed ring around each exhaust port. I did not use any gasket sealent like Permatex Ultra copper on the header gaskets. I used 1" bolts.

Dan

 

35 lb. ft. is the factory spec for exhaust manifolds.

 

as tight as you can

 

You need to use German engineering torque specs for headers.. Goodentight

Tighten them as much as possible by hand. I doubt that you would have much luck with a torque wrench .

 

i thought if u tighten them too much then u ruin the thread.

i am i wrong or do u actually start rethreading it when u tighten it way too much?

just curious.

 

Just get as tight as possible without a HUGE wrench or knocking yourself out.

I use a 7/16 open on both ends with different wrench angles....to assist in tightening the PITA's it is about 6 inches long and I pull till my hand is "uncomfortable"....I wouldn't worry too much just get em "goodentight" as said above