The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Manifold Bolts

I have a 54 235 that Im installing the manifold back on. Of course Ive lost one of these bolts on here and they have an odd mushroom-like washer to go between the manifold spaces, in order to keep the manifold on. These bolts and 'retainers' can be found nowhere. Ive called all the major resto-places and they havent a clue. Any one run into this problem? One guy said go to the hardware store, but that wont make nice restoration, just some ugly washers piled up there, right? Thanks, Nick

The bolts themselves are common and can be gotten in most hardware stores. Get a good grade,not the cheapies. I think they come in two lengths, I'll check.

The funny long "mushroom washers" that slide onto the bolts are specific to old engines. They are easy to find on old junkyard motors and maybe a fellow stovebolter on this forum has an extra one.

They also look like a "cavitelli noodle" or a long "sea-shell".

I have seen restored trucks with the bogus "round flat washers" used instead of the proper "mushroom"; the mushroom washers provide the proper side "lips" to hold the manifolds tight when the manifolds are torqued properly. They keep the manifolds from leaking and warping!

Finally, I clean the old bolt threads with a wire wheel and then use "Never-Sieze" lube before properly torqueing. These bolts get hot and gaul into the head, best to have Never-Seize on them to re-torque if needed.

Here is a pic of my updraft 1952 head&manifold. The bolts may be too small to see.
Chevy/GM offically calls the bolt with "mushroom" washer a....Manifold Clamp Bolt

[img]http://wsphotofews.excite.com/039/gK/T7/Tb/Wp75280.jpg[/img]

[ 12-28-2001: Message edited by: lil' johnny ]

Hey thanks. Thats a good idea to clean out the threads. Anybody here have a few they can spare of these (mushroom bolts)? I really only need the end ones.

There are two,,,three typessmal (centered) medium(off-set) and large(long and hole in center) which do you need? I will send one your way!

Wow thanks! Let me see, from what I have here it seems there are the 4 centered type retainers (in the middle of manifold)and 2 on the outer, longer bolts which have the offset retainer, this is the one I need, the offset retainer that goes on the longer bolt. Maybe I dont have a 54 engine? Sounds like we are discribing different set ups? I will try to attach a pic of the one I need with my new web cam. Thanks again! I will send you my address to your email. I also might have some parts you might be interested in. [img]null[/img]