Accufab Intake Elbow installation question - Diesel Forum

bogg · 06-27-2007, 11:47 PM

OK, reading the instructions they tell me I will need a universal joint for the torque wrench. From what I can read about a universal joint, the torque will not read accurate. What to do?

ritschner · 06-27-2007, 11:59 PM

Not to worry. It will not be accurate, but keep the universal joint as straight as possible and it will be close. It will be slightly under-torqued so check in a week or so to make sure it hasn't come loose. Better to under-torque then to strip or break off a bolt.

bogg · 06-28-2007, 12:33 AM

Thanks Uturn. Say, I grew up in ALB. Went to Sandia High...nice town

TXGooseneck · 06-28-2007, 04:26 PM

I have the intakeelbows.com version and didn't need one.

LariatPSD · 06-29-2007, 01:39 AM

I just use my 1/4" Ratchet and tightened it GNT. (good n tight)

TKOPerformance · 07-21-2007, 06:34 PM

I found the hardest part was getting the plastic pipe off the stock elbow and onto the new one. If anyone's got a tip for that task it would be useful to anyone preparign for this install. I was finally able to win out with brute force.

I torqued the elbow down in a cross pattern and snugged it up "valvecover tight". I checked it a week later and it hadn't loosened. It's been about 10,000 miles and no problems.

Mark_G · 07-25-2007, 06:08 PM

I used my wife's hair dryer on it (the black plastic). Popped right in after warming it up for a few minutes.

Mark

Ford4Eva · 07-25-2007, 07:01 PM

Do *NOT* overtighten the manifold bolts.

I cranked on one after running the engine for awhile and it promptly disintegrated about 1/16" above the manifold. Drilled part of it out, then into the threads [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]. Had to get it towed and repaired by Ford. That was a fun $400.

GnT will do just fine.

bogg · 07-25-2007, 07:09 PM

I should probably add how mine ended up: I used a torque wrench and was following the 23 ft# instructions. At 18 ft# one of the bolts started to strip. I backed it off but could see 2 lines of alloy in the threads. I hand tightened the others and snugged up the wounded bolt best I could. Seems to be holding. I might have a local speed shop do a plug at a later date. Live and learn...

Mark_G · 07-26-2007, 07:40 AM

I was afraid I might do just that, but so far I haven't. I've taken it off and re-installed it because I wasn't sure how the dealer would react to it when I took it in for a check engine light.

Mark

dgriffin · 07-26-2007, 11:55 AM

The torque specs for these bolts should be something on the order of 10 to 12 ft-lbs, which is best accomplished with an inch-pound torque wrench.

Little Aj · 01-30-2010, 12:29 PM

I broke one of the bolts while torqueing the intake elbow to 20 ft-lbs. I was being extremely careful because you are bolting to aluminum which strips super easy. I was able to pull the elbow again and remove the bolt. I bought four new bolts and tightened them to what I would consider way under 23 ft-lbs. I sprayed water around the seal to check for leaks so far so good. Thanks for the hair dryer tip.