Loose Exhaust Manifold Bolt

[hammersley]

I just changed my oil - and looked at the exhaust bolt closest to the firewall and it had backed itself out several turns.



1. Is this a problem, i. e. does one have to periodically check these?



2. Also, what is the torque spec for both intake and exhaust bolts as I'm now going to tighten them all.



3. Should I be concerned that I have damaged the gasket?

 

[RonaldLarson]

Exhaust bolts

There is a recall on bolts which back out under certain conditions. I cannot recall the number, but the fix is to install locking devices on the adjacent bolts. I think I saw it in the new TDR issue which is not handy.

Ron

 

[Fast 1]

I had that same bolt come loose, the one next to the fire wall . I just tightned it up it's been fine ever since. It never developed an exhaust leak.

 

[hammersley]

thanks for the info - I'll also check the TDR

 

[Puff]

Hammersley,



Do you have an exhaust break? I've read that the increased vibration from the EB increases the tendency of the bolts to back out.

 

[Archive]

I have an E Brake... after two years of using it everyday, I checked my bolts on the exhaust manifold... snug as a bug!

 

[dresslered]

I had someone point out the same loose bolt on my truck at a RamRunner's meeting. This think was all the way out! Tightened it up on the spot and it has been fine for the last 1,500-miles. I later checked the others and they all appeared to be tight. Just the one closest to the firewall.

 

[DEZLPWR]

The same bolt on my '99 came ALL THE Way out and I didn't notice it. I only found out after I took the truck in to the shop to have the cracked exhaust manifold replaced. They told me that the bolt closest to the firewall was missing and that the crack happened as a result of the loose exhaust manifold. They never mentioned any recall or anything.

 

[Dave Fritz]

hammersley,



You might want to take a look at TSB 09-002-01 - Use Of Exhaust Manifold Bolt Retention Straps To Prevent Torque Loss.



Vehicles that are used for extended heavy trailer hauling purposes may experience a loss of exhaust manifold bolt torque. This condition may lead to exhaust gas blow-by past the exhaust manifold gasket(s) and even loss of exhaust manifold bolts.



This bulletin involves the installation of retention straps to cylinders I & 2 and to cylinders 5 & 6 exhaust manifold bolts.



Dave

 

[Big White Beast]

Mine too!!!

Was modifying my wastegate release and took a peek back. Sure enough - finger loose. Top and bottom ones in the rear. Again does anyone know the torque specs?



Snugged them up for now. Will probably put a lock washer on them if it happens again.



Wonder if this has anything to do with cracking manifolds?

 

[Dave Fritz]

Assorted intake and exhaust torque specs:



32 ft-lb (43 N•m) - Exhaust manifold bolt

24 ft-lb (32 N•m) - Turbocharger mounting bolt



18 ft-lb (24 N•m) - Intake horn bolt (at manifold heater)

25 ft-lb (35 N•m) - Intake Air Temp sensor

18 ft-lb (24 N•m) - Intake manifold cover bolt

72 in-lb (8 N•m) - Charge Air cooler hose clamp nut



Dave

 

[Cliffman]

Me too

Every time I used the EB I could here a funny sound coming from under the hood. Popped the hood with the truck running and the EB engaged, tracked the noise right to the rear exhaust manifold. Sure enough, top rear bolt was missing and the bottom one was about to fall out. Replaced the bolt and so far no more exhaust leak when using the EB. Funny thing, I heard the bolt fall out. Thought I ran something over and it bounced up and hit the underside of my truck. I was pulling my 5er at the time. Is this problem indicative to those of us who have an EB installed?

 

[Sky]

Mine at the back were loose as well. Im told when you add more power that happens alot.

 

[Big White Beast]

Red tape!

Local 5 star wont give me the retention straps. Say I have to make an appointment and they need to install them. Told them they could bill DC anyway and pocket the cash I don't care. Can't afford to lose the truck at this point in time. Way too busy.



Anyone see a problem with just using lock washers?



Just started BOMBing the truck and don't want to go backwards for a silly service call.



TIA, Garrett

 

[dresslered]

Can't we just buy the friggin' straps! It would be much easier than messing with the warrantee.

 

[hammersley]

Thanks for all the help. FYI - Puff01-I don't have an E-brake and Dave thanks for the torque specs. And after checking, like others, I also had the loose lower rear bolt as well. Does anybody have a photo or can you explain what the heck the STRAP is? I mean I understand lock washers - but the strap - what does it look like, i. e. does it cover all the exhaust bolts at once or what - confused in Washington - the good Washington - that is.

 

[Big White Beast]

Strap....

Look up the TSB in the previous threads. It has pictures and everything



Gonna find out if they sell em. Not worth losing the truck for a day just to install them.



Garrett

 

[SnoKing]

Stop by a DC dealer and look at a new truck. My 2001. 5 has them from the factory. They are hex metal spring clips over the back most and second back most bolts locking them. These are on both top and bottom bolts and are also on the front and second most front - top and bottom. Snow King

 

[Bob Wagner]

I am going to the dealer

with the TSB in hand and ask for the kit that I will install.



I will post dealers reply on Friday

 

[Thomas]

Garrett,



With a part number (05072387AAA Straps, Exhaust Manifold Bolt Retention—set of 4) you can get just about anything from your local Mopar parts counter. You might not understand the price.