I’ve had 2 big blocks in the garage for the past few days. Fun!

I’m also trying to harmonize their maintenance schedule to have less to remember.

I was doing a “tighten everything” session when I found my 98 with the rear driver exhaust manifold bolt loose. It’s happened before, unremarkable so I tightened it right up.

So, with 9/16’s wrench in hand, I checked the Starfire. Same motor, similar bolt-loose exposure. Drivers side rear was loose. Passenger side rear was _missing_. So I replaced it and tightened with a lock washer...

It wasn’t noisier, but the a/c did smell a bit off. I’m guessing from exhaust being drawn in...

Seems obvious, but a once in a while check for tight bolts helped me today. Perhaps you too, one day.

cheers
cf

 

I replaced a lot of the hardware holding my front bumper with nylon locknuts. Some of the nuts just would not stay torqued. I have solid engine mounts, I’m guessing the constant vibration and flex loosen things up. Going on 3 years now and last time I looked things over everything was still tight.

 

The heating/cooling cycle on exhaust manifolds/headers doesn't help. I always blow header gaskets. I just do yearly maintenance and replace them now. I've even tried fancy, expensive gaskets and the locking header bolts. They blow too.

 

I switched from header gaskets to regular Fel Pro exhaust manifold gaskets and they have been working very well. No blowouts in, uh, lemme think. Well I have no idea when I put them on. Seems like a couple years ago but it's probably more like 10 or more years now.