So I'm outside, and while I'm working on my special custom gauge panel project, I decide to pop the hood and check oil, coolant, radiator fluid, etc.

While I'm looking around, I'm shocked to notice that one of my header bolts is extremely loose. I can literally just pull the bolt out, I dunno how it hadn't fallen out. So i bust out a 7/16th and get that annoying sucker back in there. I check over my other bolts, some of them are a little loose as well.

My question is, my car has been running slower than expected recently, could one a few loose header bolts be causing any exhaust leak? Or are the other thightened header bolts and the gasket enough to prevent leaks? Could I have been loosing any power because of this?

sorry for the newbie style question, but i was shock to see those bolts loose I'd appreciate any advice. thanx

 

YES that will cause an exhaust leak, YES the car can run like crap from that.

How long ago did you install your header's?

I've found that you have to tighten all header bolt's at least TWICE after removing and installin header's. You tighten them ONCE when you first put them on of course, then you have to drive around till the car get's warmed up etc. Then wait for the car too cool down and tighten them again. SHould be good to go after that

 

i had 2 fall out and i re tightend them i guess you just have to check em once and a while

 

do you hear a ticking or pinging noise on acceleration?

 

I've had them fall-out on me too. You just have to keep checking them........But the reason mine came loose is because i told them they had to over tighten them, because of the "dead soft aluminum" gaskets i was using but of course the dealear didn't listen to me----gasket burnet right up....nothing left in the front(worse exhuast leak ever) -And i was back and i was pissed After they did it---i went and tightened them down again.......cause i knew they didn't do it again.

So make sure if you use a soft gasket that squishes......to tighten them good.

 

I used the same gaskets that came with my Edelbrock headers, and the same bolts as well.

I didn't hear any pinging or any noise that would hint at a problem, however I did notice a slight lack of power at high RPMs. Maybe this was the culprit of the problem.

I haven't run the car yet since i tighened the really loose bolt. I'm gonna check ALL of them tomorrow and then drive the car. I'll let u know what happens, thanx for the help all. :thumbs: