header bolt question

[fryedaddy]

i bought a set of remflex header gaskets.im getting ready to install them.heres my question. they say to use either pattern on my cj heads,top and bottom or side to side,8 bolts instead of all 16.i have the threads striped out on the bottom hole on the number 8 cylinder.can i use the top and bottom holes in 5,6,and 7 and the side to side holes in number 8,or should i try to use the side to side holes in all 4 cylinders?

[My427stang]

As long as you have at least 2 opposing holes on each pipe, you are good (top bottom, side side) The next pipe doesn't care which two it's neighbor is using.

You could of course use 3 or 4 where they fit and are not stripped, but no matter what, tighten them evenly across the entire flange, and in steps like any other sealing surface, with lube on the threads.  I like silver antiseize best, it seems to stay put for decades

[fryedaddy]

thank you,i was hoping that would work,and thanks for the reminder to tighten evenly and use sealer on threads

[Nightmist66]

You shouldn't need sealer on the threads. I use nickel antiseize like Ross mentioned. If your header bolts aren't very easy to get to like mine, I put some antiseize on a cotton swab and run it in each bolt hole. It keeps the antiseize off your hands while fumbling to start the difficult bolts.

I still have the 14 bolt heads on my car yet and I can't get the top bolt in each end cylinder with the headers I have, so I use the lower three bolts. I haven't had a leak yet. I'm not sure why you couldn't use all four bolts with those gaskets, I would think it would make a more even clamp for a better seal. Hmmm......

[fryedaddy]

i bought these headers in 1984 and i always tried to get all 16 in but i dont know why the company that makes the gasket says to just use 8,either pattern

[fryedaddy]

i used the top and bottom holes in my cj heads when i put the new header gaskets on yesterday.i had 2 striped out holes on the bottom of 7 and 8.i went to bed last nite studying on how to fix them without taking off the head.so when i got up today i just screwed in studs all the way and put a nut and washer on the stud.i was about to get frustrsted but the fix worked great .i got them tight with no leaks

[fryedaddy]

be careful guys with these remflex header gaskets.they say you dont need longer bolts due to the thickness of these gaskets,but i ended up stripping out about 5 bolt holes with my stock length header bolts.buy the time they get about tight they would strip because only about 3 threads are in when they get tight.i had to swith to studs and longer bolts.my heads are ruined because of all the stripped out holes

[My427stang]

Good lesson there, check the depth of any hole before you thread in a bolt, never assume.  Could be too long or too short, both are bad

Especially applies to intake manifolds!