I used chrome plated Acorn Nuts & anti-seize on my Exhaust Headers to attempt to prevent corrosion and problems with broken studs in the future.... thinking the nuts would keep the threads clean & dry.


do you folks think this is a good idea?

 

Be very careful you don't over tighten with the anti seize on there.(use less than factory torque spec or you may bend the flanges)
Carry some spare nuts 'case the acorns come loose and fall off.

 

Are the threads deep enough to get good compression?

 

My exhaust stud nuts came loose so often, last one on a road trip. that I double nut them with jam nuts and no anti seize now. That seems to have taken care of it. I wouldn't trust just an acorn nut.

 

Uhm?
Was there a problem before?
A little anti seize makes sense but the "Acorn nut" isn't a make or break deal.
Rust is oxidation,,
Heat assists oxidation.
Dissipating heat with an anti-seize lubrication helps prevent oxidation.
"Acorn Nut",, is not the fix alone.

 

I have been using serrated nuts since I put on my Fat Cat exhaust, just rechecked them after about 400 - 500 miles and they held their torque way better than the stock ones. I barely moved them at all checking them.

 

I think acorn nuts are overkill but since you have already installed them..ok acorn nuts. You don't really need to protect those flange nuts against water, the headers are so hot that evaporation is pretty much instantaneous, and they don't get wet when she's parked. I imagine since you want to put anti seize on there your not having a problem with them coming loose, so my recommendation is some high quality penetrating oil about ten minutes prior to removing them. having rust on the studs is normal IMO.

 

I don't know if I'd trust just an acorn nut, I always use the exhaust flange nuts. Once I've got the exhaust properly mounted and the flange nuts to spec there's always threading left on the exhaust stud, I then use the acorn nuts as a double nut, I tighten the acorn up against the flange nut. It protects the exposed threading, using them as a double nut keeps the flange nut from coming loose and it gives a nicely finished look.

NO, the pipes are not that blue, it's just the flash in the garage giving that look but man, she's dirtier than I thought

 

Why not just use brass nuts? That way they won't seize. Use an extra one as a jam nut if you are worried about them coming loose.