Hi, need to source some exhaust manifold studs as two snapped when putting the engine together. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them now so I will be changing the whole set. Nissan dealer wanted 7 and a bit dollars each which seemed a bit steep, has anyone had any luck sourcing studs elsewhere? I want to make sure that they are good quality but 90 or so dollars for a set of studs just seems excessive.
Nissan hi tensile studs are a bit pricey, whereas cheaper studs are often just mild steel but the difference is that the hi tensile studs can often be re-used, last much more longer and less prone to threading and snapping. If you pick up cheaper mild steel studs, you may be disappointed when they start stripping threads, snapping and can only be used once, so just make sure you know what your buying first when sourcing them. If you could find hi tensile lengths you could make your own (even without the shank as the thread crush is less on hi tensile). I tend to think the Nissan OEM ones are the better option generally speaking (depending on the intent of use), even if a bit pricey. Even sourcing second hand used ones might be an option (as long as they have a good thread they would be fine) I have some spare mild steel ones (my motor is coming back out within a year and the studs are a one off use) so I am looking for a set of OEM hi tensile myself as the next pull after that will be many years later - so I would be keen to buy a set if you can source them cheaper My opinion anyway - but each to their own JC :zlove:
Ended up getting a set from a local exhaust shop for 20 dollars, much better price All high tensile steel so should do just fine. Thanks for responses.
Im going to sound like it but Im not being a smartass here but, in all the years of engine rebuilding that goes back to my first engine build of a Villiers 2 stroke, I have NEVER broken or stripped an exhaust stud... or ANY stud for that matter. I have made legions of them for different custom applications and to replace previously broken/strippedbent and otherwise damaged using cheap mild steel rolled thread (Booker) rod from the nut and bolt shop and reused them many times. The vast majority of zorst studs on engines are M8 or M10 and the recommended torque for this size thread has never failed me yet. I have to ask, how tight are guys doing these things up to result in threading, pulling or breakage. Perhaps the use of a torque wrench when doing up sundry fasteners may be in order to tech a few people how LOOSE some stuff is actually done up eh? E
Couldn't agree more I have just finished a full rebuild and followed the manual to the letter. All torque settings double and triple checked! I was actually surprised by how loose some of the lower settings actually are I have been working on Engines for about 33 years now as a hobby and done everything from motorbike to tractor and truck engines.
I work as a diesel mechanic at a dealership and its common practice to replace exhaust manifold studs whenever the manifold is removed. I never had much trouble with the European brands, but Japanese (Hino, UD ect.) studs are forever breaking, more often than not that is the reason the manifold is being removed. Worst experience I have had is with some Chinese built Cummins engines, try supporting yourself over the hole in the floor of the bus drilling out broken exhaust studs upside down! Nightmare! I'm not discrediting your experience guys, just sharing mine. BTW I was using my Snap-On 3/8 torque wrench which is calibrated every 12 months, following the FSM for specs. The heads were bought second hand though, and had been cleaned by a machine shop with the studs in, so perhaps the studs had been damaged.
Those recent china made studs are pretty bad E ! You would be lucky not to stretch the thread on one before you even reach torque. Just my experience based on the mild steel studs that come with the AMS manifold's (china made studs). They cannot be re-used even when brand new if you need to pull the manifold off to modify etc. I have some spares for you to test if you like For this reason high tensile is the way to go.... in my opinion......... On a side note: an industrial bolt specialist told me a couple of weeks ago that the chinese stuff is so poor in quality that the highest grade chinese threads are the equivalent to our lowest grade...... JC
