I only use that center bolt to temporarily hold headers in place while I start the other bolts. Then it gets removed. Been this way since the 90s and always worked better.
Broken exhaust manifold bolt
- Thread starter fauxfour2
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Leave it be, it can actually cause leaks. Use Aluminum or Cooper Collector gaskets and Cooper Gaskets between the header and head, also known as exhaust manifold gaskets. I used to coat them with Ultra Copper RTV but Optimum Grey RTV is more robust and has the same heat rating. It really helps on slightly uneven surfaces. Get the Hedman, not the Flowtech full length headers.
It is handy to help hang them, I usually don't fully tighten it, as it can cause leaks at the bottom of the gasket.
Thats good to know so i will not use the one on the other side. Wish i would have asked you guys this before i sat in the sun with a torch heating the broken bolt on the other side up for a good 15 minutes to get it out. I was suprised that there was rust all the way down the whole length of the bolt all the way to the front of it. Thankfully all the other bolts ive tried so far have come off with only a limited use of profanity.
Luckily, I have had only one bolt seize that wasn't a top bolt on multiple Olds V8's over the 30 years our family has owned them. Unlike some makes, the Olds V8 doesn't have bolts break or manifolds crack or leak. Olds didn't even use gaskets from the factory. I have snapped a few 5/16" Dodge manifold bolts, one broke on my Magnum V8 out of the blue. Look at some of the LS motors, see they aren't perfect.
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