exhaust manifold studs backing out

[1Gina2G]

while in the process of bolting on the exhaust manifold, everything else got really tight, then one of the studs closer to the center of the manifold, up top, wasn't getting any tighter it seemed. I also noticed that the stud itself is more backed out by maybe 1/4 inch or so (give or take some) compared to the rest of the studs. After that I stopped, as it seemed it wasn't as backed out before I started.

Is this normal at all? Or are my threads in the head most likely stripped?

 

[91tsi_awd]

I would say your threads are most likely striped. If it's stripped you can try a thread chaser to possibly reform the threads. If that doesn't work you can put in a helicoil.

 

[Drewthebear]

Yeah, 99% sure theyre stripped, happened to me replacing mine, just get a new bolt or if it seems tight enough leave as is

 

[DSMopar]

Threads are stripped, happens all the time on 4G63 heads, the stock stud thread length is stupid, you can actually flip them around and get more threads in the aluminum, leave the short end for the nice steel nuts.

 

[1Gina2G]

i understand how it is with anything aluminum, but jeeze that's ridiculous. brand new head literally, 1st time I wanted to take the manifold off for an exhaust gasket leak, only 1 30 minute run. now i probably have a small exhaust leak again

 

[BogusSVO]

The head is not new, it is rebuilt.

The head casting is working on 20 years of age.

The threads get weak from the applied torque on the stud.

It is a simple fix, 8mm X1.25 heli-coil will solve it.

 

[91tsi_awd]

If you use a heli-coil I would suggest removing the head first. You don't want any aluminum shavings in your oil.

 

[1Gina2G]

I guess it didn't occur to me how hold the casting of the head actually was. In the back of my head though, a rebuild should seem to include all new studs, I know I was sure to mention them all being there & good before it was assembled & finished. It just gets to me hard that it would do that right off the bat, like I gotta worry about every single stud even though they were torqued correctly, and only enough force to loosen the attaching nuts.

Still NOT POSITIVE that they're stripped but probably the only reason for what I noticed, was hoping they went in reversed threaded but I read that they're not.
ATLEAST it's the only one, but still been a rough year learning everything the hard way

If you use a heli-coil I would suggest removing the head first. You don't want any aluminum shavings in your oil.

I always appreciate others concern, but I think you may be mistaken to suggest that. I read about people putting in heli-coils all the time, no one ever mentioned taking the head off.

The one thread where someone did mention the oil galleys, but for just 1 particular stud located below and center..

 

[91tsi_awd]

I guess it didn't occur to me how hold the casting of the head actually was. In the back of my head though, a rebuild should seem to include all new studs, I know I was sure to mention them all being there & good before it was assembled & finished. It just gets to me hard that it would do that right off the bat, like I gotta worry about every single stud even though they were torqued correctly, and only enough force to loosen the attaching nuts.

Still NOT POSITIVE that they're stripped but probably the only reason for what I noticed, was hoping they went in reversed threaded but I read that they're not.
ATLEAST it's the only one, but still been a rough year learning everything the hard way




I always appreciate others concern, but I think you may be mistaken to suggest that. I read about people putting in heli-coils all the time, no one ever mentioned taking the head off.

The one thread where someone did mention the oil galleys, but for just 1 particular stud located below and center..

My apologies I read the OP wrong, for some reason I was thinking lower center.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

Probably a boost leak.

Have you run a boost leak test?

Or just throw on some loctite and call it a day..

 

[BogusSVO]

If the studs are in good shape, why replace them.

Even if a new stud was put in that hole, it would do the same thing, it is the alum threads in the casting pulling out.

Doubfull it would have been found then.

Also if all new studs are installed, thats added time and expence, that would have been past onto you.

Be thankfull it did not break, and it is a simple repair at a fairly easy hole to fix.

I know It is fustrating that you bought a head and had this happen.

It has been a long 2 years for you, I have seen your threads and the issues you have had.

But you are so close to the pay off of driving the DSM that you bulit and learned on.

Do not let this little issue be the major set back.