Leaky bolt
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Huntersville NC
Leaky bolt
I have a leaking bolt on top of my intake. It is sitting on a split washer where as most of the others are on regular washers. I am still preping my engine for a paint job and I need to fix this leak first. My question is what is the recommended tightness for one of these bolts? I know you don't want to over do it. Also I probably need some type of liquid bolt lock product, can you please tell me what I might use and how best to use it. Thanks in advance for any input.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Intake manifold bolt torque is 25-35 ft-lbs according to the 63 corvette shop manual.
You need a thread sealer to keep oil from wicking up from the lifter valley, on the bolt and to the intake.
You need a thread sealer to keep oil from wicking up from the lifter valley, on the bolt and to the intake.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
One more thing...
One unpleasant alternative is this - I once had to make little round gaskets for the bolt heads out of gasket material on a different brand of car, in order to get valve cover bolts to stop leaking.
One unpleasant alternative is this - I once had to make little round gaskets for the bolt heads out of gasket material on a different brand of car, in order to get valve cover bolts to stop leaking.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
Use the same silicone sealant on the bolts threads that you use on the front and rear rails of the engine block,that seals the ends of your intake manifold. I put sealant about 1/2 inch up the threads of each bolt. I also use those stainless washers that Paragon sells,that are for protecting the surface of your intake from the bolt heads. They might help seal the leaks also.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 965
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From: St. Charles/Cave Creek IL/AZ
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Huntersville NC
I don't have a way of measuring ft-lbs. What would you guys say it is in layman terms, Finger tight and then how many 1/4 turns? Also thanks for all the input on getting my bolts to seal.
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Le Mans Master
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Then drive the car to go buy a torque wrench, if you own the car, you NEED one!
Mark
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 616
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From: Huntersville NC
What size torque wrenchs do you need to do all the stuff I might do. Looks like th bigger bolts are all 9/16"? What torque range would you recomend?
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Get one in Ft-Lbs and that will handle most tasks. For very small fasteners you may need one that goes to Inch-Lbs but for the most part I just tighten those fasteners by feel.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Huntersville NC
A torque wrench doesn't have a size to it. It will have a 3/8" or 1/2" drive to which you connect your standard sockets you normally use with a ratchet.
Get one in Ft-Lbs and that will handle most tasks. For very small fasteners you may need one that goes to Inch-Lbs but for the most part I just tighten those fasteners by feel.
Get one in Ft-Lbs and that will handle most tasks. For very small fasteners you may need one that goes to Inch-Lbs but for the most part I just tighten those fasteners by feel.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
A Google of Torque Wrench will turn up several links with photos of various types.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
RE: leaky bolts
Hey Brian,
Thanks for posting this question.
I was just about to ask the same thing! I've only got two bolts that leak oil on mine. This has been bothering me for a while. I'm glad that now I know what the oil is doing there.
I'm going to try the teflon tape and see if that will work.
I appreciate all the suggestions.
This forum is the greatest
Thanks for posting this question.
I was just about to ask the same thing! I've only got two bolts that leak oil on mine. This has been bothering me for a while. I'm glad that now I know what the oil is doing there.
I'm going to try the teflon tape and see if that will work.
I appreciate all the suggestions.
This forum is the greatest