Header Bolts & Anti-Seize

Does anyone use anti-seize compound on exhast fastners? I plan on having some head work done and plan on using it on re-install. I use it on spk plugs w/ gud results.

 

...Yep...

 

spark plugs and header bolts.

They are hard enough to get out WITHOUT using anti-seize.

 

I use it on header bolts as well, especially important if you have aluminum heads. With aluminum anything, every bolt gets anti-seized

 

I used to use it on every exhaust I worked on.. until I realized how easily they tend to back out when running lopey cams, headers, combined with solid or poly engine/trans mounts.

Now I only use it on bone stock setups that don't tend to back out as easily. Everything else gets high temp threadlocker which also acts as an antisieze for aluminum as well.

 

Good points, I use thread locker or anti-seize on everything when refurbishing industrial equipment. If it's a part that gets serviced regularly it gets anti-seize, if its a part that only gets serviced when it breaks (theoretically) it gets thread locker. Vibrations can cause bolts that you would never think about to back out. And heat + Vibration will make them back out even faster!

Following that I would use thread locker on exhaust.

 

Thanks for the responce guys. I have CI heads, mild cam and I suppose stock mounts. I hope they do come out w/o a lot of cussing. The last time I had a head off, alum heads were not available to most rodders. If I have problems w/ back-out I will go to Stage 8 fastners. Dont think it will be a problem...

 

I've got it on my 331's header bolts, they've never backed out of their holes.

 

I've been using anti-seize for over 30 years.
On the exhaust I use studs.............and use anti-seize on the studs, but not on the nuts/washers.
You need to be careful using too much anti-seize on the plugs as you can cause a direct ground if it gets on the outside of the plug..............you don't need to ask me why I know this..................................................

 

Don't quite get what u mean when u say on the outside of the plug. I only use "what I consider a sml amt" on the threads to keep plugs frm seizing. I don't seem to have any issues so far.

 

Header bolts back out with or without antiseize. It sucks!

 

When putting plugs in if you get any anti-seize on your hands and touch the plug............the spark can jump down the outside of the plug as the anti-seize is a great conductor of electricity................and yes, you are correct that you only need a small amount.

I've never had a stud back out......................and on most of my drag cars the motor mounts are solid...............along with the trans mount.

 

and sometimes with or without threadlocker too. And yes it does.

Which is why we have many companies with patents on materials and devices to help eliminate the problem.

Also in my experience.. the thickness and material composition of the flanges and gasket materials used has major impact as well. OEM has even realized this more recently with metal shim/layered style gaskets being used more widespread than ever before.

Thicker gaskets like the remflex.. that have more preload/crush can also help measurably in overly abusive/extreme environments. I tend to love overkill though.. so I still use threadlocker anyways.

 

I can open a can of... anti-seize...at my work bench, close it back up...five minutes later I find it on the tail lights, steering wheel and the hood latch...