RE: stronger exhaust manifold studs?

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

> use studs?  the bolts are socket head thingies, triple square I think,
> so there may not be much clearance around them.  that's usually why
> socket cap screws get used I think.  Only excuse I can think 
> of, anyway.

The 12 point socket in the bolt head can handle more torque than a 6 point
of the same size.  When you consider that most sockets (tools) are 12 point
it means that you would be that much more likely to round a standard 6-point
bolt or nut.  Can you see the service manual specifying the use of a 6-point
socket?

I remember seeing 12-point nuts _somewhere_ in my Audi servicing ventures
... I remember thinking that it was good that I happened to have that
12-point 8mm socket ... most that small are only 6-point ...

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)