Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Exhaust Manifold Bolts Missing

[Mike760]

I was snooping around under the hood just checking things out and noticed that two of the bolts on the end (cab side) of the exhaust manifold are totally gone. I also noticed some black soot on the firewall and surrounding areas from the exhaust leak that this has created. I would assume that this is causing some sort of decrease in power. Has anyone ever experienced this? Can I just replace the bolts or do I have to get a new gasket too? Any suggestions on where to get the bolts besides the dealer?

 

[rweis]

Do you have the stock exhaust manifold?



Bob Weis

 

[Mike760]

Yes, it is the stock manifold.

 

[ecv2001]

you can call the dealler get the specks of the bolts then go to your local hardware store.

savings about 10 dollars or so.

 

[Mike760]

Aren't there some kind of spacers or something? The rest of them look like they have some extra parts besides the bolts.

 

[JHerrlich]

I think there was a TSB on that issue. They put metal straps that connect two of the bolts together so they don't back out. The straps just hammer on the bolt head with the appropriate sized socket.



The TSB is 09-002-01. It can be found here: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-002-01.htm

 

[Mike760]

Is that a dodge part number that can be ordered from the dealer?

 

[JHerrlich]

Is that a dodge part number that can be ordered from the dealer?

Here's the part number for the strap kit.



05072387AAA Straps, Exhaust Manifold Bolt Retention (set of 4)



The link to the TSB has the instructions.



Jason

 

[JHerrlich]

Looks like it's warrantable too. Just print the TSB out if they want to say it doesn't exist, or they can't find it.

 

[Mike760]

Thanks for the info. I was reading about it being a problem when towing and I tow a lot of weight all the time. Should I just get the replacement bolts from the dealer?

 

[Mike760]

I am at about 170K hard trailer pulling miles. I think I am a little past the warranty. I will have to buy them before any more parts rattle off.

 

[JHerrlich]

I'm looking up the cummins part number for the bolts for you.

 

[Mike760]

I have discovered that these dodge trucks are good for pulling other things besides trailers. I keep a log chain in the back to tie off with other trucks from time to time. This dodge is a great truck for dragging Ford diesel trucks around the parking lot. It doesn't take much more than idle to do it.

 

[JHerrlich]

The bolt's Cummins part number is 3944593 and it's an M10 X 1. 50 X 65.

It looks like the strap's Cummins part number is 3937704, but you'd have to ask about that one. It's not labeled that great.



I'd check with Cummins first. It's probably cheaper.

 

[Mike760]

Thanks for taking the time to get that part number. I'll have to check around for a place to get them.

 

[JHerrlich]

No problem.

 

[GW01]

i had the same problem on my 99,3500. i checked the dealer and he told me that the last two bolts were not required and i said b. s. . i purchased the bolts and spacers from him but i dont remember the cost. that was several years ago and i have had no problems with them backing out. i also tow alot [22000 on the scales]. ihave checked the bolts several times and they have been tight. i hope this helps

 

[Mike760]

I can't believe they said that the back ones are not needed. You can clearly see the marks from the exhaust leak. Leaking exhaust anywhere pre-turbo can not possibly be good.