cbaumy34

Well I had an exhaust leak at the manifold and found 2 of the 6 shared bolts with the washers on them were loose. My dilemma is its about 60% apart should I replace the gasket or retorque and hope the leak is gone? Please let me know. Thanks

NismoPick

If you had an exhaust leak because the bolts were loose, the gasket has been burnt (thus the leak). If it's 60% pulled apart, just finish removing everything and replace the gasket. Upon install, torque to spec, drive it through a few heat cycles, and re-torque.

Twiggs280zx

Why wouldn't you replace the gasket? Better to get a new one in there now than find out after it is 100% together that you have to rip it apart... again.

Lesnocker

change the gasket. Its burnt! You will replace this every few years. Just the nature. Mine is missing 4 bolts and is still sealed. Dig them out if you want. I just didnt give a **** lol. Also go to grade 8 bolts instead of them shitty napa studs that snap off with a toddlers touch.

SHADY280

go to the how to section. i have a write up of how to do the job!

cbaumy34

Will do guys thanks for the advice!! And shady your write up is excellent!!! Thanks again guys!

FricFrac

Use studs rather than bolts. Just make sure they are designed for the extreme temp changes of an exhaust manifold.

cbaumy34

Do you have any recommended studs? Also how many bolts do you think I should change? Just those on the exhaust Mani or on the intake as well? Thanks

Twiggs280zx

I am using the studs from motorsport. I have changed all bolts that are torqued just in case. But, I did a full rebuild. I don't think it would hurt to change all of the intake/exhaust bolts.

SHADY280

i just took a sample to my parts supplier and got studs. just as good as the motorsport ones at a fraction the cost.

cbaumy34

Anyone have an egr tube laying around I sorta twisted mine so I chopped it off......oops

NismoPick

Just weld it shut. Done.