Can I just tighten this exhaust nut?

[kevinh]

Hi ya'll,

Another annual question (4 yrs, 350 hrs): So while inspecting cylinders/exhaust nuts, I noticed that the #3 exhaust stud had one nut a fair bit loose from the correct torque. Some of paint near that stud flaked off (and no similar flakage on any other cylinder), so I presume some hot exhaust was leaking out that side.

My checklist from last year shows that all the torques were good.

Is the best fix to just tighten that nut and be done with it or do I need to replace the exhaust gasket now?

Thank you all.

 

[OceanBob]

Go ahead and tighten it up

I assume no exhaust gas has leaked by enough to erode the flange?

Perhaps you have 'no blow' exhaust gaskets.? (stainless steel about an 8th inch thick?)

Just tighten. 350 hours of hot and cold will loosen some nuts.

(maybe some hi temp loc-tight on the threads)

 

[Scott Hersha]

I'm pretty sure there is supposed to be a lock washer under the nut. If it's there (or not), it should be replaced before you re-torque the nut. A 'pre-crushed' washer looses it's bite.

Scott

 

[kevinh]

I'm pretty sure there is supposed to be a lock washer under the nut. If it's there (or not), it should be replaced before you re-torque the nut. A 'pre-crushed' washer looses it's bite.

Thanks - good point.

 

[Steve]

EAA video

Perhaps you've seen this very informative video.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1431564069?bclid=1432781645&bctid=57449257001