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Author
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Topic: Removing Header Bolts?
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Mooney
Gearhead Posts: 2357
From: Marietta, Ga
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 10-07-2006 08:17 AM
 
Is there a trick to removing header bolts? For my 21st birthday I'm lighting a fire under my ass and finishing my head/blower swap. So I'm working on getting the header bolts out. Its a 351W in a 65 so its a lil tight. I was kinda thinking about unbolting the collectors and hoping that because the headers are shorties they might just slip up with the heads-- but I'm not sure whether I'd be able to get them past the shocktowers.Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Luke
BTW has anyone dealt with Pricemotorsports? I need to order an adapter to bolt a 302 intake on a 351 block and they're the only ones I know that sell something of this sort.
[This message has been edited by Mooney (edited 10-07-2006).]
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mustangboy
Gearhead Posts: 1343
From: Ont, Canada
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 10-07-2006 11:45 AM
Usually header bolts are not that hard to remove,much easier than putting them in because you don't have to worry about getting them started straight.Sometimes you can't remove the bolts totally until you loosen all the bolts and pull the header away from the head a little.It all depends on that particular pipe and bolt relationship.Quite often on the backside of the pipe(firewall side)where the pipe turns back, the head of the bolt will hit the pipe before it will come all the way out of the head.If this happens just move on to the next bolt until you can pull the header out a little and get some clearance...One other trick that I've done is pulling the engine up as far as you can before the headers hit the shock towers and then removing the bolts when they are up in the open..Of course when I did that I was pulling the engine anyway.It might not be practical in your case.------------------
68 J-Code,Sprint,306 4 speed,4.11s 13.69@101...............
66 coupe 289 4 speed, 3.20 cruiser http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/MembersPics/mustangboy.html http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/MembersPics/mustangboy2.html [This message has been edited by mustangboy (edited 10-07-2006).]
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 22791
From: Reno Nv M&M #1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 10-07-2006 03:37 PM
On my 65 I find it easier to remove all the spark plugs,and the valve covers. I've always had to raise the motor and take the headers out from under the car. Just jack the front end up as far as you can. Take out the connecting bolt on both motor mounts. Use some wood under your oil pan to raise the motor enough to get the headers to drop down.------------------
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs HOOD HACKERS DELIGHT!
My Pics 13.563 @ 108.64
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Mooney
Gearhead Posts: 2357
From: Marietta, Ga
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 10-07-2006 05:02 PM
Thanks for the suggestions! I was able to get all the header bolts out on the passenger side--- now I'm just having trouble getting the 3 head bolts out that just happen to be a smidge under a header tube--- still need to figure that one out. The drivers side havent' gotten a chance to get too yet-- the g/f was walking down the stairs and slipped and we spent the next 3 hours in the hospital getting X-rays. Fun stuff! Always love those trips. Gotta make a call to Summit shortly-- purchased a set of Twisted Wedge heads a while back and they came without studs or guideplates so I need some suggestions on what to get to go with those. Thanks again-- I'm going to try everything I can before jacking the engine up but it sure does seem like I'm going to have to. Thanks Mustangboy & Scoop for the suggestions! Luke
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 22791
From: Reno Nv M&M #1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 10-07-2006 06:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Mooney:
Thanks for the suggestions! I was able to get all the header bolts out on the passenger side--- now I'm just having trouble getting the 3 head bolts out that just happen to be a smidge under a header tube--- still need to figure that one out. Thanks again-- I'm going to try everything I can before jacking the engine up but it sure does seem like I'm going to have to. Luke
Luke, I have to a shorty 3/8 open end wrench to get to a few of the bolts,then a 1/4 drive ratchet with a short extentsion to get to others. It's always a fun job. 
Why don't you want to lift the motor a little? It'll sure make the job easier.  ------------------
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs HOOD HACKERS DELIGHT!
My Pics 13.563 @ 108.64
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Mooney
Gearhead Posts: 2357
From: Marietta, Ga
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 10-08-2006 03:05 PM
Ron, Have never done it before---. Always a lil gunshy when working under the hood-- have always had my pops over the years right there to say yay or neh---now trying to lean away from that since we don't see each other as much. But I'll give it a go and see what happens. That and don't want to call my pops over this early in the stage-- I'll need his help up a ton I'm sure when it comes to setup the S/C.Thanks,
Luke
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 22791
From: Reno Nv M&M #1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 10-08-2006 03:49 PM
Luke, I know how you feel, but the more work you do yourself the more you learn,and the more comfortable you get doing it. Just take your time make sure everything is safe. If I can be of any help at all,just make a post or email me.  ------------------
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs HOOD HACKERS DELIGHT!
My Pics 13.563 @ 108.64
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ekbeanctr
Gearhead Posts: 772
From: Middlebury, IN USA
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 10-17-2006 09:05 PM
Another thing that I found useful was to take a longer wrench, get the torch out and bend the end of it so it's not quite a 90 degree turn. With that and a regular wrench, it's pretty easy to get to all the bolts.Ernie ------------------
Red Fire Clearcoat 65 Fastback, 408W. AFR Heads, Hooker SuperComp Headers, 292H Cam. 750 Holley, 4 Speed, 9" Posi Rear End
Ekbeanctr@Hotmail.com
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/801279/1 [This message has been edited by ekbeanctr (edited 10-17-2006).]
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