5/16 spacer installed but...my bolts keep coming undone. I have torqued them 3x already (1/2 turn needed on a lot of the bolts) and i followed the torquing sequence in the motordyne install manual. Anyone have any ideas? I just slightly over-torqued them yesterday to see if they hold, will check tonight.

 

I've had the same experience, but the seal is mainly held by the gaskets and the spacer itself, so the bolts loosening a bit over time is not a concern, at least according to Tony at Motordyne. You can re-tighten periodically if you like, as I have, but I don't think it makes any difference.

 

did you use the loctite?

 

you could always get some blue loctite and put it on the bolts that are coming out

blue loctite isn't as strong as the redstuff

 

Yes, for the 6 in the middle of the plenum, which have also moved. I might just add it to every single bolt.

If motordyne says this isn't a concern then i'm not sold on this sequential torquing if the thing is going to undo itself. I mean now when I tighten i literally just go in a big circle other than the 6 in the middle.

 

if the blue stuff doesnt hold them, id try the red stuff imo. i wouldnt feel comfortable with bolts coming loose on my engine at all!

 

random question..... did you switch out the bolts in the middle? or are u trying to use the stock bolts? i made that mistake and the bolts didnt tighten all the way... so i had to redo everything... doh'

 

This was Tony's (of Motordyne) response when I asked the very same question:

"No. You only need to tighten it once for sealing purposes. After the first tightening, its permanently sealed. It doesn’t need anything more."

The sequential torquing is Nissan's specification, not Motordyne's, and is mainly to establish an even seal.

 

so you are supposed to do nothing and let these bolts just work themselves all the way out and possibly get in the way of moving parts? f-that

 

I get what you're saying but I've never heard of that happening. Have you?

Plus, I don't think there's enough clearance for the bolts to back themselves out under the hood, at least for the center ones. The perimeter ones haven't really been loose for me.

 

this is the first ive heard of any of this. i was actually considering buying a spacer pretty soon but this has me thinking twice. i do not want any bolts coming loose on my car, at all, end of story, i dont care where they are. imo

 

this is the first i've heard of it too

my 5/16" gets here tomorrow so now i'll have something else to be careful about

 

I've not had any issues, and I'm pretty sure there isn't a single case where it's actually happened, but suit yourself. No need to go with this mod if you're at all concerned.

For those who are still thinking about it, send a PM or an email to Tony @Motordyne and ask him.

EDIT: Went back and looked at the installation guide from Motordyne, and here's what it says:
"...The progressive tightening sequence will help insure {sic} force is distributed evenly across the plenum. After it is bolted down you will never need to tighten the bolts again. After a few thermal cycles the gaskets will settle in for a good seal and the bolts will relax their tension a bit. This is normal and re-torquing the bolts is not necessary."

 

Switched out everything and torqued everything according to the instructions. I might buy some red loctite to put on all the bolts if they are still undoing themselves. The other day I took the car out for its longest drive, 2 hrs, after slightly over-torquing the bolts, so i'll check it tonight and see if they moved.

Putting this aside, the spacer install has been a great addition. The response I get from the car is something that has always been missing.

 

so just because the instructions say its ok, then you are ok with it? i dont by that...