intake mani studs > me

[deflator]

My turbo swap has been a piece of cake, other than the manifold studs that have turned it into a nightmare. A couple old studs broke off, but now I am having trouble with the new ones I put it. This has happened 3 times where I've put the mani and gasket on, and when it comes to torquing everything to spec, one of the 12mm bolts wont tighten down. It just spins, and somehow the stud backs it way out as it spins. Then I have to tap and helicoil the hole and try again.

I've gone through 3 gaskets in 2 weeks and I'm about ready to break the mani on the pavement

Can anyone please tell me how a stud can back out when its being turned the direction it screws in?

 

[DSM Jeff]

First off, which manifold are you exactly talking about. Your thread says intake manifold and then you talk of a turbo swap. Then go from studs to bolts. I'm guessing your talking about the exhaust manifold stud. When you tighten the nut the stud is spinning? If so you've stripped the head. You'll need to get a helicoil kit. You'll need to remove the manifold. Drill the stripped hole out to whatever size the 'kit' says. Then tap the hole with the provided tap. Lastly a stainless steel thread goes in. Its basically a coiled thread. Once this is in you put your stud in and manifold back together.

Edit; I believe the studs are M8 x 1.25 thread pitch. You may want to double check it, its early. But if it is, you'll need something like this,
http://www.amazon.com/Helicoil-5546-8-Thread-Repair-1-25/dp/B0002SREP4
Then read what drill bit to use and remember, don't use a bigger bit if you can't find the exact size.

 

[selser420]

If the Heli-coil inserts aren't working for you try Keen-serts. Its the same principle as a HC, but they are stronger....more robust then the coiled thread. You can get them locally at Production Tool or there is a J&L Industrial supply at Merriman and 96. We use them at the machine shop I work at and they are better then HC IMO. I've been through what you're doing right now, so I feel your pain.

I'm not too far from you, so if you need a hand PM me and maybe I can get some time away from the wife and kids to give you some help.