Just wondering If I take off my upper intake manifold off would I have to replace the gasket?I know some years are different and some have metal and others have plastic or whatever.I am gonna put in a tca sensor in this week and just want to make sure if i do or don't have to replace it.

Also can anyone tell me what torque the bolts get.

Thanks
K

 

Can't tell you about the torquing of the bolts, but it's always a good idea to replace any gasket when exposing it.

 

I didn't a no harmful effects so far!

 

Just wipe off the gasket, and if the coating on it is still good, I say keep using it.

 

Ok Thanks Guys but does anyone know what to torque the bolts too..

 

Not sure where I got my numbers from. I don't think it was from here, but this is from the manual.

 

Hmmm Thanks...

 

I cranked them until I was afraid of stripping the bolts or cracking the aluminum.



Does anyone actually own a torque wrench?

 

A so so craftsman, I'm ussually of the "ok that feels tight enough" school, but the craftsman comes out when it comes to stuff like head bolts <ok so its not rotary related>, dowel bolts <that is> and axle nuts etc..there are plenty of things I don't agonize over, but there are some that really should be torqued properly...of course I also own a 323 GTX, the wheel bearings HAVE to be torqued right or they have a whopping 10k mi life span give or take...

 

I torqued mine per the manual no problem.

 

Factory specs say 12-19 INCH (not foot) pounds. I use 14 inch pounds on the nuts and 10 inch pounds on the one center bolt. I used 14 on it once and snapped it!

I agree, the metal gasket is relatively tough. I replaced it with my rebuild, but have had the UIM on and off too many times to remember since ... no problems.

 

My mechanic has several torque wreches,several sizes and ranges. If you work on things for others you need to do things correctly . Would pay someone to guess about important things on your car,or pay someone who does things correctly .

 

I rarely use a torque wrench at work, there are some times that an accurate torque wrench is required like anything related to engine rebuilding, well most things related to it. Torque wrenches do go out of calabration, i've seen people snap bolts because of that. So i guess most of the time i trust myself more.

 

Do it once, do it right. Replace the gasket. As far as torque specs, check the FSM at ilovemyrx7.com. That might be able to answer your question.

 

i re-torqued mine to the factory specs with the old gasket and havent had a problem with it so far. As far as torque wrenches going out of spec, its usually related with not turning it all the way out when finished using it. If you leave it @ a certain setting, the spring stays compressed and f*cks it up

 

This may be a stupid question, but where is the gasket on the UIM that you are talking about? The one on the throttle body or the other side where it connects to the LIM? Mine doesn't even have a gasket that I remember.

Of course I also have a secondary boost leak and a loud whistle above 4.5k... Maybe they're related.

 

torque specs imho definitely needs to be adhered to...
anyone that goes by feel are rollin the dice..
certain areas admittedly wont be as detrimental as most but a disregard of torque specs is asking for trouble..
as far as cracking the aluminum...
youll shear off the bolt to the UIM before youll crack anythin else..
been there..

 

The metal gasket doesn't need to be replaced.

I torque everything to spec according to the shop manual

 

ALPHA -7 : Don't think you'll rip or harm the UIM gasket when you take the uim off. It's a pretty stout gasket. .... but if you do, PM me and I'll send you my old one that I just took off when I replaced the Turbo Control Solenoid. It's in pretty good shape.
I replaced the gasket with a new one just cause I'm "A-R" . Good Luck.

 

Torque wrenches are f***cking expensive! Anything in my price range will likely be...
a) inaccurate
b) easily broken
c) will require adapters to fit my sockets and hard-to-reach places

I've never had a problem with torqueing by feel. I'm new to cars, but I have years of experience removing and installing nuts and bolts on all kinds of materials (e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, lumber, plywood (all kinds, all gauges), fiberglass, and all sorts of plastic). This doesn't mean I don't wish that I had a torque wrench, but it's a luxury that I can live without.

 

IMO you are stupid if you don't use a torque wrench on engine parts. Go to Sears, you can buy a Craftsman one for around $20. And it will have a lifetime warranty so if you think it's out of calibration, just take it back.

And the gasket *should* be replaced. It's a general rule for any gasket.

 

i got one for less than $30... but if your only removing the upper part of the intake then you dont really need a torque wrench, IMHO...

replace the gasket only if necessary!!

 

I thought they were upwards of $50. Next time I'm in town, I'll stop by Sears and see if they have one.

 

well... i can say that for around $30 you wont get the cream of the crop... but its enough for me for the moment..

the high quality ones can be as close to $200!!