Distributor bolt won't stay tight - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

landsurvey1 · 11-12-2011, 08:33 PM

I have a new HEI distributor in my 454 BBC. Every 300 to 500 miles, it seems the tighten down bolt to my distributor will loosen and the truck will not start. Any help on how to fix this problem?

C10 - C90 Bill · 11-12-2011, 08:38 PM

I have heard of this problem before. I would try LocTite.

Bill

CORSAIR · 11-12-2011, 09:42 PM

The hold down bracket is it OEM or chrome after market? If it is a aftermarket throw it away it will never stay tight had this problem on a small block I had, drove me mad almost striped the manifold out trying to keep it tight. I hope this helps?

Corsair

68gmsee · 11-12-2011, 09:46 PM

I've never had the problems but first and foremost try the loctite then maybe a new bolt. Make sure it's completely clean of oil and grime for the loctite to work properly. If the threads are wallowed out I would think you may have to retap to the next larger size or heli coil it.

1968SWBBigBlock · 11-12-2011, 09:51 PM

Buy a good aftermarket unit with a stud and nut rather than a bolt
Loctite the stud into the manifold - buy a nut with a captured tooth style lock washer and go to town - it will serve you well with no risk of damage to your manifold

**fine69** · 11-12-2011, 10:06 PM

Or use a stock hold down bracket. And use a bolt with a LOCK washer on it. Your problem is vibration. The washer should absorb it and keep it tight.

Had this issue before, and thats how i cured it.

landsurvey1 · 11-12-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968SWBBigBlock

Buy a good aftermarket unit with a stud and nut rather than a bolt
Loctite the stud into the manifold - buy a nut with a captured tooth style lock washer and go to town - it will serve you well with no risk of damage to your manifold

That sounds like a great idea, thanks for your time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CORSAIR

The hold down bracket is it OEM or chrome after market? If it is a aftermarket throw it away it will never stay tight had this problem on a small block I had, drove me mad almost striped the manifold out trying to keep it tight. I hope this helps?

Corsair

I will check that tomorrow, I really didn't pay attention if it was new or OEM.

Thanks for everyones help and I will definetly use LocTite this time.

hjewell2 · 11-12-2011, 10:17 PM

everything 1968 said.

11-12-2011, 08:33 PM	#1
landsurvey1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 404	Distributor bolt won't stay tight I have a new HEI distributor in my 454 BBC. Every 300 to 500 miles, it seems the tighten down bolt to my distributor will loosen and the truck will not start. Any help on how to fix this problem?

11-12-2011, 08:38 PM	#2
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,071	Re: Distributor bolt won't stay tight I have heard of this problem before. I would try LocTite. Bill __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

11-12-2011, 09:42 PM	#3
CORSAIR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pahrump, Nevada Posts: 451	Re: Distributor bolt won't stay tight The hold down bracket is it OEM or chrome after market? If it is a aftermarket throw it away it will never stay tight had this problem on a small block I had, drove me mad almost striped the manifold out trying to keep it tight. I hope this helps? Corsair __________________ "The Can't Family Lives Across The Street"

11-12-2011, 09:46 PM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Distributor bolt won't stay tight I've never had the problems but first and foremost try the loctite then maybe a new bolt. Make sure it's completely clean of oil and grime for the loctite to work properly. If the threads are wallowed out I would think you may have to retap to the next larger size or heli coil it.

11-12-2011, 09:51 PM	#5
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Distributor bolt won't stay tight Buy a good aftermarket unit with a stud and nut rather than a bolt Loctite the stud into the manifold - buy a nut with a captured tooth style lock washer and go to town - it will serve you well with no risk of damage to your manifold __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

11-12-2011, 10:06 PM	#6
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Distributor bolt won't stay tight Or use a stock hold down bracket. And use a bolt with a LOCK washer on it. Your problem is vibration. The washer should absorb it and keep it tight. Had this issue before, and thats how i cured it. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

11-12-2011, 10:17 PM	#8
hjewell2 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: mich Posts: 655	Re: Distributor bolt won't stay tight everything 1968 said.



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