Turbo/Manifold question

[SRJesse]

Hey guys, The gasket on my turbo went bad again from the bolts coming loose. I have researched and talked to a few guys on here and they say its a VERY common problem with the SR20DET.

I was wondering if welding the turbo connection to the manifold would be a good idea? Just looking for a reliable way to fix this problem. Supposedly the kid that had the car before me had to fix this 3-4 other times as well. I am a everyday driver and need a fix to this problem!!!

Please let me know if you have heard of anyone doing this, or if you have done it yourself. Are there any downsides to doing this? etc.......

Thanks alot guys.

[I H8 UR DSM]

dont weld it...

are you still using the locking tabs? i hope so...if not, yea, it will keep coming loose...and dont keep reusing the old ones, get new locking tabs....otherwise, they sell those locking washers (not the little lock washers, but ones that are made to grab, and not come loose), or even the nuts that lock...there is hardware that you can use to help combat the problem...just using the bolts, nuts, and old tab locks would cause it to come loose...if you have good lock tabs, and tighten it hard enough it wont come loose often.....tighten it hard though, very hard : )

[SRdS14]

god no...don't weld ur turbo to the manifold!!! just think what you'll go through when its time to rebuild or replace...couldn't u just use a thicker gasket? i dunno

[I H8 UR DSM]

well the whole thing is i dont think you are supposed to weld cast iron to cast iron....

but yea, like i said, locking nuts, and tighten them harder : )

[battle D]

why would u even think of welding your turbo to the manifold im sure theres another way to fix that problem

[SRJesse]

Well I really dont plan on upgrading for a really long time seeing money is tight. Since I am an everyday driver, I dont feel like going through this problem more than once a year. When and if I do decide to upgrade, I would buy a new manifold along with a new turbo anyway so welding wouldnt really matter. Just wanted to know if anyone has done it, or if I should do it. I guess not!!! LOL, thanks for your input guys.

[SRJesse]

Where can I get new locking tabs and the hardware (nuts, locknuts, etc....)

[ItzGenX]

I am a mechanic, and everytime I get an import car in the shop and get to be the first to have ever touched it, I find a lot of Loctite or some similar compounds on many parts. See in Japan on the production lines, they use Loctite so no parts come loose while putting another on. It elliminates the need for an extra hand, arm, or machine to hold the other side. From experience, this stuff is pretty aggressive and hard to break loose. Most of the time, it requires some sort of impact tool. Also, I've seen things come loose frequently from the things I work on (like exhaust headers and such). What I do, is buy new Grade A bolts that can withstand the torque I put on them without breaking at a local hardware store. Before I put the bolt or nut in, I dab a small amount of Loctite just under the head of the bolt/nut where it will make contact. Torque it down and let it dry. I have yet to see one come loose. :ylsuper

Just make sure you get new nuts/bolts with flare on the heads. Under the flare portion, you will see directional TEETH. They bite in making it harder to back it out.

[SRJesse]

The Highest grade locktite is only good for 400degrees. Turbos reach 1700 (+ or - 200). I was also thinking of lock washers, but was informed that from the heat the "Lock-eness" wouldnt be a factor anymore so they would be pointless. Does anyone know where I can get the factory, or standard Locking plates used? Thanks alot guys

[I H8 UR DSM]

nissan....