I was told by my mechanic that I had a leak somewhere between the turbo manifold and the block. I first noticed that a few of the nuts that held the manifold to the block had come loose from vibration. I replaced all the nuts with new lock nuts thinking that this would repair any leaks. Anyways, after finishing with the lock nuts I noticed that there was play on the gasket between the manifold and the block.

Can anyone confirm if this is normal? I tightened the piss out of these nuts.

I made a video so you guys could see what I'm talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKQ-3...ature=youtu.be

 

Sounds like you need a new gasket. I had a similar problem once and a brand new OEM gasket fixed the issue.

 

This the gasket I'm using is pretty much brand new. I put on this turbo kit less than 2000 miles ago.

 

Is it an OEM one? I wouldn't use anything else other than OEM. Before I was turbo I got one with an aftermarket header and it was crap and leaked badly. An OEM gasket fixed the issue though.

Even if it is, I've noticed they can be extremely sensitive. If some of the nuts came loose previously they could have damaged/warped it, causing it to leak.

They are fairly cheap and easy to replace anyways though. Personally I would try that first before messing with anything else. Thats just my 2 cents though.

 

Is your turbo manifold new or used?

Your manifold might have warped slightly due to it being loose (and heat). You might want to pull the manifold and have it decked at a machine shop, then intall it with a new OEM gasket. Also I would pick up some Nord-Lock washers for the re-install.

 

I was afraid of this...

 

Not the end of the world...I had to do this recently. I think it was around $45 to have the manifold decked locally.

 

Get the ARP studs and get rid of the factory ones. That outside stud may have also come loose slightly, not allowing a proper seal. It also doesn't hurt to copper spray the exhaust mani gasket upon reinstall.

 

I pulled the manifold off. Used straight edge and it clearly is warped.

 

what manifold manufacturer is it? I am curious as to the grade of steel used. Generally the plate that they use to start the manifuld is generic and they use piping from there.