How do you keep RV8 exhaust manifold bolts tight

**PhilipA** · 24th February 2011, 04:13 PM

I am currently renewing my camshaft and replacing head gaskets on my 3.9 RRC.

I have found that some of the exhaust manifold bolts are loose.

I have bought new lock plates but some of the lockplated bolts were also not very tight. It seems the gaskets compress over time .

Any bright ideas on how to keep them tight? I am not really keen on spring washers as I believe they lose their tension in heat but I am pretty open minded if someone has had good experience doing it.

The inlet manifold was pretty loose also, even though I dutifully torqued it down to specs, but that is another matter. It probably settles over time as the heads move slightly. They won't be moving much this time as I have a set of ARP studs.
Regards Philip A

**bee utey** · 24th February 2011, 04:24 PM

Instead of using exhaust manifold gaskets, use high temp silicone sealant instead. Just a smear. Otherwise it's just another thing to check every service.

**400HPONGAS** · 24th February 2011, 05:28 PM

bee utey , we have been over this one before , I dont think "They" believe you
Ive always done it your way , as long as it was AFR sensor safe if your running oxy sensors.

mike 90 RR · 24th February 2011, 06:05 PM

Hi Phillip ...

This is what I would do .....

Go to the shed and get out the nail gun
Take the exhaust gaskets and pin both to the wall ....
Now use the nail gun and fire a full round into the first gasket
Do the same to the second gasket

Now ... just bolt the manifolds on bare, + a smear of HT sealant ... and it only needs a smear

Cheers
Mike

**jazzaD1** · 24th February 2011, 06:25 PM

are the mounting surfaces really going to be that good/flat?

**PhilipA** · 24th February 2011, 07:27 PM

I used to use hitemp silastic on my old 77 3.5 with fewer problems then with using gaskets , so I will go back to that as you suggest.

It will give more engagement to the bolts too. They are pretty short.

Regards Philip A.

**p38arover** · 24th February 2011, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by jazzaD1

are the mounting surfaces really going to be that good/flat?

Yes. I use silicone, too.

**chazza** · 25th February 2011, 08:21 AM

So do I.

Phillip on the threads I use Loctite and I have only had one come loose, which was probably down to dirt in the female thread,

Cheers Charlie

mike 90 RR · 25th February 2011, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by chazza

So do I.

...... on the threads I use Loctite.....

I have not used any Loctite ....
I've not had a bolt come loose in the last 2 years ...

I did however have 2 threads strip in the head, but was able to insert some "All thead" rod to pick up on the last bit of the good thread, in the head .... (No Loctite used)

Added some nut and washers and it's all good

Cheers
Mike

Freestyler · 28th February 2011, 07:30 AM

Good quality gaskets and Loctite 567 works wonders

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