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Sidepipe Bolts. HELP!
OK, I have slight popping from both sides on decelleration.
Right side sidepipe flange bolts were all loose. Had to use an 18 inch extension to thread through the body exit in order to tighten the bolts on the passenger side. Was able to use both hands. One to hold the inside nut (from above in the engine compartment) from turning while tightening with the socket through the body opening. However, the driver's side is a whole new challenge. No way to get my hand in from above in the engine compartment. So, you guys have done this a million times. What's the easiest way to access all 8 bolts on the driver's side so I dont have to break my wrist in two places in order to fit it up from the bottom? Do I have to enlist a buddy? |
You reach in from underneath. Jack up the car...easy stuff. Takes a little contorting but you can do the whole job from underneath.
BTW, you should check bolts like these periodically as part of general maintenance. All Cobras shake and rattle a lot, loosening some fasteners. -Dean #747 |
Stainless Steel nuts/bolts & lock washers
Had the same problem with #770 until I replaced the nuts, bolts and washers with stainless steel ones. Dean's right, though, the entire job can be done from underneath the car. I was able to reach all the bolt heads through the opening in the lower fender using a long 3/8 extension, then held the nuts with a box end.
FWIW...after installing the stainless steel fasteners, I ran the car for about 10 miles and then very carefully...and I DO mean very carefully ... retightened all the bolts/nuts while they were still H*O*T. I was able to put at least 3/4 to one full turn on them while they were still hot...and only managed to burn my hand a couple of times. All in all worth the extra effort in my opinion, since they haven't worked loose in almost nine years! Hope this helps... |
Thanks for the fast replies. I'll dive under there tonight and finish the job.
Bought some Remflex gaskets just in case tightening doesn't completely eliminate the leaks. |
Freddie's post reminded me that I did the same thing...stainless steel bolts and retightened once hot. They haven't loosened since.
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Well...there ya go...
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It was probably a tip received on SCOF. ;)
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I am SO sure...
... :lol:
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I thought I read that the stainless steel bolts tended to break.
Or was that the grade 8 bolts? |
Is that ok?
Is it safe to tighten bolts while hot?
That doesn't put too much tension on them when they're cool? rodneym |
Hmmmm...haven't broken in 9+ years...
The stainless steel fasteners have been on my headers and side pipes for almost 10 years and over 11,500 miles, and they haven't broken so far. In the last 3-4 years most of my mileage has been track mileage...very little street driving...so far, so good.
But...truth be known...if they break this weekend, I'd replace them with stainless steel fasteners again...same as before. To my way of thinking, I'd say almost 10 years is pretty good service. Dunno about grade 8s...I'd never use those since the clamping force required is not that great in this situation. |
Quote:
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I have found our bolts loosening, so now I never use anything but pinch nuts on our header to side pipe bolts. No matter of the heat cycles they will stay tight. Now that being said, I try to use them only once, maybe over kill but once tightened, if I need to take them loose I replace the nuts with fresh new pinch nuts. I haven't any complaints with my customers with this. So give them a try. Do not use nylon lock nuts here, too much heat!!!
Bill |
Pinch nuts...
...I like that idea! Wish I had thought of it, but I'd bet I would have a hard time finding them locally. Stainless steel has worked for me so far. But if I ever have to replace them...I think I'd go with pinch nuts.
Come to think of it, I pinched my nuts once or twice before....daaaaa-yum...and it.....er, they hurt, too! :p |
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Got em done, that last one in the middle top of the drivers side was a real treat. Finally used a 6 inch extension from the top to hold the nut while I threaded a long extension through the hole in the body to tighten the bolt some were only finger tight.
Checked the intake manifold bolts and they were all a little loose, along with the carb hold down bolts. The car has only 1500 miles on it. Is this normal to have to retorque these bolts this often or will they stay down now? Exhaust manifold bolts were secure, thank God! |
Yep...everything needs tightening...
...about twice a year. There's just so much vibration that tightening everything is part of regular maintenance. But, on the upside, after a couple of tightening sessions, you do reach a point where things seem to stay tight for a while. I check 'em anyway, but seldom find one loose anymore. Careful with those manifold bolts, especially with aluminum heads. ...and be sure and check the header-to-cylinder-head fasteners.
Like I said, you'll reach a point where things don't work loose as much as they used to, but check them anyway. Hope this helps...and good luck with your SPF. If you enjoy yours as much as I do mine, you'll indeed be a happy owner! PS...be careful with those carb hold down nuts, too. If you over-tighten them you can break a ear off the carb base. Don't ask me how I know these things.... :rolleyes: |
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