Stripped Exhaust Header Threads

[pikeben08]

Bought an X1 off of craigslist about a month ago. The previous owner had snapped the front exhaust header studs so he used bolts to reattach the header.

I noticed that the exhaust was leaking around where the header attaches to the head so I decided to put a new gasket (screaming eagle) in. I tightened everything back down (not too tight from what I've read) and fired her up but still felt a bit of a leak even with the new gasket so I tried to tighten a little more when I felt the bolt slip.

Nooooooo!!!!! Stripped the threads in the head. Any advice? Should I helicoil or just drill and tap to 3/8"?

Also, I was a little surprised that I still had a leak. Any ideas there? Can you use any sort of sealant that close to the exhaust port?

 

[nikfleisch]

Helicoil's I've heard work nicely.

 

[Xb12armyguy]

Yea just put a thread insert in autozone sells a kit comes with tap and threads and tool to insert them.

 

[Stevenc150]

Timeserts [up]

 

[Spike240SX]

Its not a blue racing stripe edition that you bought in the knoxville tn area is it?

 

[pikeben08]

Nope, its a White one (I think not X1W since it doesn't have any of the white lightning decals or the blue header) from Otisville, MI.

I bought a thread insert kit (brand is OEM)from autozone. I'll put it in this weekend and let you know how it goes.

I think I have a stock header, will the screaming eagle gaskets work with that? From what I've seen on the forums people seem to recommend them over the stock gaskets.

 

[pikeben08]

Is there like a delay on the post or something? The home page said I posted but I don't see it in the thread.

 

[pikeben08]

So I discovered the reason for still having an exhaust leak. The retaining clip on the front cylinder was mangled and not pushing the exhaust against the head.

Thread insert in, new studs, gaskets and clips...no more leak! Hooray!

Btw whoever decided to place the O2 sensor directly in front of an exhaust stud is a dumbass.