I use  30MM bolts on the #4 exhaust port under the water pump it might seem
to long but works fine shorter bolts tend to strip out the threads in the
heads.  the number 3 port gets studs. If you use stainless bolts they tend
to relax after a heat cycles and I recheck them when I change the oil the
first few times. Repeated backing off of the fasteners requires a new
approach
I do not know of a lock tight type stuff that works with that much heat
Is the exhaust secure are the muffler straps tight.  Does the exhaust move
as the engine moves if not the flexing system brakes pipes over time and
puts excess strain on hardware and connections

Bob Donalds
Boston engine

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonce Fancher" <streetbugs@WHISPLLC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 5:29 PM
Subject: Loose exhaust bolt again. fix if stripped?

> Hi all
> Well the No.3 exhaust bolts seem to not want to stay tight. Is there a
> Lock tite to work in this heat? or should I pack it with sawdust and jb
> weld? (Kidding)
> Im always careful to not over tighten exhaust studs but this one never
> gets good and tight sorta tight but I stop before over torque. I did see
> this 2 part putty that
> they mix up and can tread once hard <not JB weld> at Fastenal. Not sure if
> it would work. I could always do the helicoil since ive got them. Actually
> I should pull
> the stud and see if I can go longer to bite into fresh threads deeper in
> the head. If I can is there a Lock tite for heat as per my 1st question.
> If I snug it up the
> thing is great for about 100 miles. Of course its the one under the water
> pump.
>
> I can get a 6" extension on it not a problem. Im just not in the mood to
> pull the exhaust system and all if I dont have to.
>
> Thanks Jonce
>
> Jonce Fancher
>
> 56 Single Cab
> 66 Sunroof Bug
> 66 Variant Squareback
> 66 Porsche 912
> 71 Sunroof Bus
> 84 Vanagon "Gottfried"
> 85 Vanagon Westi
> 2003 10 Passenger Sprinter
>
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