Plenum Bolt Question

[Haitian_King]

So I got my new (to me) plenum. I didn't get a chance to unwrap it yet, but a cursory examination of the package showed a bag full of bolts and a plastic wrapped plenum sans gaskets (I think). The underside of that sucker is UGLY.

Anywho, I was just wondering about the bolts. I'm going to assume you guys reuse the current plenum bolts after removal right? I just wanted to know if it was recommended to get new bolts for it (if they're even available, or a comparable equivalent) or if it would be OK to just use the ones that it came with.

I apologize if anyone gets perturbed with my query, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Can't really fault me for that, can you?

[captainluigi]

Use the ones ya got. Clean w/wire wheel/brush if nec. Stringently adhere to torque specs & sequence. It is known that anti-seize effects torque specs but I use it often even tho.

[jimbyjimb]

The plenum bolts for the Q don't need to be replaced. The only way you'd need to replace them is after several r/r's of the plenum or if you lost or broke one. The only bolts that really should be replaced are bolts that have alot of stretch (Torque) on them for their size, or if it is a vital component, i.e. certain suspension pieces. The plenum bolts aren't fastened down very tight at all, so they don't stretch and wear out very fast. Always use the function, grade, thread pattern and size of a fastener to determine torque if the spec is in question or there is none available. A fine-threaded grade 8 9/16 bolt that holds up a control arm is obviously going to require more torque than a 1/4 rough thread bolt holding down an electrical connector. Not telling you this because I think you're dumb, very much the opposite, but those four basic facts give a good approximation of how tight it needs to be and whether or not it's a one-time use.

[Haitian_King]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! Great information!

[goody90q45]

You should have one spare to replace the one that you're going to drop between the exhaust manifold and block, or to replace the one that goes clink, clink, clink when you drop it and you can't find it (and it never hits the ground). Would you like me to send you one?

[Haitian_King]

You should have one spare to replace the one that you're going to drop between the exhaust manifold and block, or to replace the one that goes clink, clink, clink when you drop it and you can't find it (and it never hits the ground). Would you like me to send you one?

Aww, it probably would happen to me too! I don't have any plans to go plenum diving at the moment. Thanks for the offer though. I'll let you know when I'll need it.

If I had a practice VH that I could leave in the backyard and just get to know intimately, I'd be happy.

[elwesso]

fastener plinck-o is about the most depressing thing youll have on a Q. When you tighten them you have to be OH SO CAREFUL because they break very easy..

[Haitian_King]

fastener plinck-o is about the most depressing thing youll have on a Q. When you tighten them you have to be OH SO CAREFUL because they break very easy..

huh?

[oldmako]

Having spares on hand is a great idea....and at least one telescopic and / or flexible magnet. Mine lives right on top of my toolbox and has paid for itself many times.

[jimbyjimb]

The 4.5 has an aluminum block. The bolts are steel. It's easy to strip the aluminum out. Just dont tighten them too much as is most rookie's tendency. Just stick with my prior advice and you'll be fine. Function, grade, size, thread pitch.

[pouncer11]

i think he talks of bolts and other vital parts dropping into the dark, dingy underworld that is your Qs engine. Its like throwing a football into a tree and not getting it back but the tree is some crevice in your engine block and the football is the difference between you driving or walking to work. Ive broken a bolt or two off, once on my friends mazda, you just kinda stare and think "oooopsssss"

crapp i almost forgot to ask, how does one get these bolts to a certain torque, this is very relevant to me at the moment

[Q451990]

crapp i almost forgot to ask, how does one get these bolts to a certain torque, this is very relevant to me at the moment

You need a torque wrench... it clicks at the torque setting you select.

Heath

[Haitian_King]

The 4.5 has an aluminum block. The bolts are steel. It's easy to strip the aluminum out. Just dont tighten them too much as is most rookie's tendency. Just stick with my prior advice and you'll be fine. Function, grade, size, thread pitch.

Thanks.

Damn, I'll need to get myself a torque wrench.

Could I take the bolts that I just got to a hardware store and match them up and buy spares? Or is this an IOS sort of thing? My local Infiniti dealership is f-ing useless.

[jimbyjimb]

You don't need to use a torque wrench on the plenum bolts. Tighten em up, plus a smidge.You could probably rig up something using spacers and the correct bolt, but those particular bolts are a dealer item. No need for spares unless you butterfinger 'em, and these bolts are fairly tough to drop since they fit into a little sleeve. The only things you would really need a torque wrench for are things like headbolts or mains, suspension pieces... By feel is fine. Tighten from the middle out on intakes. I promise you there is no mechanic in the world that uses a torque wrench on intake bolts unless the shop is slow slow slow or there is a special circumstance. There are alot of "strictly by the book" people on here, which is fine, but it's all opinions and they all smell like butts, present company included. 90% of the bolts on any car can be done by feel only, regardless of the fact that there is a torque spec for every single bolt.