how tight is too tight?

Kelevra · Post by **Kelevra** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 3:35 am

Get that dirty thought out of your head!

So, I probably jumped the gun on joining the 2 halves of my r/t intake mani but I got the gasket in and just couldn't wait to, at least, make it whole again. I got it together and tightened the bolts down pretty well. no torque wrench used, I just shrugged and said tight is tight. will I be alright or should I panic and say FML cbecause I have to order another gasket

darthroush · Post by **darthroush** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:15 am

God knows how many people tighten things down until they can't go farther without breaking things (even then, that doesn't stop everyone), and it works. Use it and if you don't have a leak, whatever. If it leaks, then you know to do it properly.

Donkeypuncher · Post by **Donkeypuncher** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:55 am

I wouldn't torque it down too hard. The FSM says:

(2) If separated, install lower to upper manifold
gasket and tighten bolt in sequence shown in (Fig.
140) to 12 N·m (105 in. lbs.).

That equals roughly 9 ft. lbs.

Haganracing · Post by **Haganracing** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:26 am

Weld that bish together and call it a day

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:56 am

How tight is too tight?

Stripped.

Kelevra · Post by **Kelevra** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 1:52 pm

Danteneon wrote:How tight is too tight?

Stripped.

it isn't stripped

but there's a sequence?

what is it and what if I didn't follow said sequence? should I unbolt it and follow or do i need to get a new gasket?

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:03 pm

Anytime you bolt down something made out of aluminum you want to use a spiral pattern starting in the middle. Same method as bolting down a head.

This system is for a 8 bolt pattern. It holds true for any number really.

The first step is to snug all the bolts down per pattern. Then you will torque them once all the bolts are snug.

Start on the left center bolts. Start with the lower, then the upper. Go to the next closest row and do the upper, then lower. Go back to the next row on the other side, lower then upper. Go to the other side (should be on the outers now) and do the upper, then lower. Last, do the other end, lower then upper.

This is all from memory, so my counts may be off, but this is the method you would use.

Kelevra · Post by **Kelevra** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:12 pm

should I unbolt it and leave it loose till carlisle? do I need a new gasket?

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:21 pm

To be honest, on that it probably won't matter. Hook it up, let it idle, any spray around where the two halfs come together. If the idle picks up, take it back apart and do it right. You will need a new gasket if you have to open it back up.

Kelevra · Post by **Kelevra** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:33 pm

I already opened it up once briefly thinking I put it on wrong

i hope it's still ok

UriahRR · Post by **UriahRR** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 5:07 pm

Nervous Nelly, it's just tubing.

Fuzzyneon · Post by **Fuzzyneon** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:21 pm

UriahRR wrote:Nervous Nelly, it's just tubing.

thank you the worst that happens is....a small leak lol not like your putting a head on and its gonna blow coolant everywhere

Post by **occasional demons** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:30 pm

It would take a lot to damage the plenum, or flange gasket. The paper will only compress so much. As long as it doesn't rip and hasn't been heat cycled to where it is hard and brittle, it should be fine.

IIRC, the plenum has 5 screws. Start with the middle one of side with three, then the two on the opposite side, then the two outers. Just get them snug, where you feel they won't back out.