Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24v, missing exhaust manifold bolt ?

[Wester]

Another new member here. Been doing the Dodge thing all my driving life, but just now crossed over to the the Cummins world!

Here's my question/problem... 2001 Ram 3500, 24 valver. Just purchased it about 2 weeks ago. Mileage is appx. 90,000. Looking over the engine the other night and noticed that the rear top exhaust manifold bolt (and sleeve?) is missing ! It does not appear to be leaking and I will put in a new one. What the heck happened to the bolt that is supposed to be in there? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again.

I appreciate any/all responses. Looking forward to learning from all the "pros" here on the TDR site!

 

[CUMAPART]

I believe that this has happened to others on the board. There were some threads on this a while ago. It seems that the rear manifold bolts would become loose and eventually fall out. I marked mine with a yellow Dykem marker when I first got my truck. Every time I Change the oil I just check 'em.

 

[KEarnest]

Wester,



That's not uncommon. There is a TSB out that involves using some thin metal retention straps.



Check out http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-002-01.htm

 

[Deezul1]

That seems to be a common occurence especially on overvalved engines. I know 2 trucks that has happened to and read about a lot more.

 

[Ted Constantine]

anyone know the torque specs on the exhaust manifold bolts??



TIA

Ted

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

32 foot lbs.

 

[Ted Constantine]

Thanks Vaughn

 

[B.G. Smith]

manifold bolt

Wester, this is covered by the 100K engine warranty. bg

 

[Wester]

Missing exhaust bolt now found !

I appreciate all the replies to my post. I stopped by Cummins Alabama today and picked up a couple bolts and spacer sleeves.

(Got a spare set ) Guess I will be putting on the "retention straps" so this won't happen again. Counter man wanted to know if the bolt was missing, or broken off in the head! As it turns out, it was just AWOL, and threaded right in and went to spec torque. That was a close one. BTW, the spacer sleeve was . 78 cents and the bolt (13mm) was $1. 25 each. Again, thanks for the responses. This site is a gold mine for TD owners