Header Question

[Skim302]

I've had my OBX header and the down pipe on for maybe two weeks now. Yesterday I noticed that something was wrong because it sounded like my exhaust ended under my car. It sounded horrible. I figured the bolts broke from too much tension or something but when I looked under it today the bolts were just loose. I tightened them up but this is where the problem comes in. I tightened them up as much as they can go but there is still a decent 1/4 inch gap still there. I didn't install the header and downpipe but it sounds like it did before so I'm guessing the gap has always been there but it got bigger after a couple weeks.



I'm wondering if there is anything that I can do to prevent this from happening again. I don't want to have to go under my car every two weeks to tighten up bolts.

[robj80]

Is there a gasket in there? Also why does it look like you have washers between your flanges?

Any time you do exhaust work you should used high quality gaskets like copper or some other sort of metal. Then torque everything to spec and drive the car. Let cool and go back and retorque everything. I have always had to do this. If I didn't I would get leaks.

If my exhaust looked like that I would take it apart grab stainless steel bolts, nuts and lock washers. Slap a new gasket in then follow the instructions I posted above.

[Jus14]

Well thats because there isnt a gasket that goes there on this part of the pipe has a doughnut type gasket built on and should pull together enough not to leak just like the stock exhaust if you have to get you some better bolts and see if you can torque them down mine did the same thing and it solved it.....

[Skim302]

Where did you get your bolts from?

[robj80]

so that piece uses a donut. I couldn't tell from the pic.

You can use other hardware. I redid engine back on my 92 g20 and I got all new hardware. Also if that is the same donut originally maybe get a new one. I never reused one before. They are cheap enough to start fresh every time.

[superskunk]

easiest way is to cut the flange off of the stock piece and replace it with a gasket and a flange that fits...

[Promise Land]

Where does the end of the downpipe connect to?

Does this replacement throw any codes to the ECM or anything?

[#1Tango]

maybe some simple red loctite. or cut it, and put a different flange on there.

[Jus14]

I agree with what they say i would cut it and get a better flange i got my bolts from work but no its not a actual doughnut its...kinda setup like a honda flex pipe its built onto the pipe but its crappy so i would get new flush ones even with loctite mine has come loose again....and for the CEL theres a write-up i did on here to avoid that and really easy i got anti-foulers on both my sensors and runs great......

[#1Tango]

I agree with what they say i would cut it and get a better flange i got my bolts from work but no its not a actual doughnut its...kinda setup like a honda flex pipe its built onto the pipe but its crappy so i would get new flush ones even with loctite mine has come loose again....and for the CEL theres a write-up i did on here to avoid that and really easy i got anti-foulers on both my sensors and runs great......

did you have any fitment issues with the 2nd fouler? how tight is that space after you installed it?

[Jus14]

Its very tight had to take its loose put it on and then bolt back in...also took a hammer and persuaded the heat shield a little to stay out of the way..LOL

[#1Tango]

Quote »...also took a hammer and persuaded the heat shield a little to stay out of the way..LOL[/quote]genius haha

[superskunk]

well, it finally happend! i my bolts snapped... now i gotta get my car in the air and replace them... im going to be going with a thicker bolt, and i will be sure that i buy grade 8... car gets horrible MPG with CEL on!

[#1Tango]

i got grade 8 yesterday and a new gasket. the o2 sensor is in the way for one of the bolts btw, so you'll have to take teh sensor out. my cel turned on cuz ive been running around town without my header and my exhaust attached, any idea how long it takes for teh CEL to turn off? detached the battery for a couple hours and still there... i don't want to wait it out its annoying...

[Jus14]

Well if everything is kosher it be about 45 mins of driving time depending on the temp of operating car at like when i got CEL from o2 sensors took about 10 mins of raising hell get it to read had sufficient flow after put foulers in so depends on driving habits also....

[robj80]

You guys should grab a scan tool off of ebay or harbor freight. They are great little items that could be had for cheap.