What's up with these exhaust studs?, on my 6.. Options

[DougC]

I noticed last night that when I mount my headers in place the exhaust studs are too long...well they have a skinny unthreaded area in the middle and the nut would bottom out before touching the header flanges. If all nuts were tight the header would still not fit tightly to the block. Here's a pic..

Doug C

[DonTraver]

Easy to figure out. Measure the depth of the stud hole, the thickness of the exhaust flange, exhaust gasket, the lock washer and nut. Add 2-3 mm so that you have minimun of 2 full threads showing after everything is tightened up. Call your local Caterpillar dealer, chances are they might have the studs in stock or can get them in next day.

There's a lot of bogus / fake fasteners out there, most from China, Korea, etc.

Caterpillar makes all of their own fasteners, when they grade them, they all exceed specs. I've been to their metaluragy labs. The prices are great. Most of the fasteners I've replaced on my 6, bike, and RS are Cat.

One of the best thing I like about their bolts is the head is about 30% thicker, less chance of busting your knuckles when the wrench slips off, damn I hate that.

Anyway, give it a try, I think you will be pleasently surprised. Later, Don