When mounting a fuel rail, I have read that tightening the secure / mounting bolts just a bit more than hand tight is tight enough. Well, the other day, I was installing a fuel rail and noticed as I was tightening the mounting bolts, the bolts no longer get tighter. The bolts were almost free spinning, NOT to the point where the aluminum threads were stripped but just past that point where u realized the bolt isn't getting any tighter as you spin. So I am afraid I over tightened these fuel rail bolts, I am also afraid to take them out in case the aluminum threads are stripped.

The rail physically does not move and seems to be properly seated. None of the threads felt "stripped" but it seems that I tightened them past the reccomended setting. Is it OK for these bolts to be slightly tighter than normal? Will it risk cracking a fuel rail? Is it one of those sensitive areas? I am worried about expansion and contraction due to heat eventually wearing the bolt threads loose or causing an issue or leaking. Should I remove bolts, tap it with helicoil, then bolt it using a lighter pressure? Or is this completely fine and I'm just overthinking this with extreme paranoia of engine fires.

 

While I do understand your concerns, I myself won't lose sleep over it. Since the tip of the injectors are subject only to vacuum and not pressure, there is no force pushing them out. If it really bothers you, then either remove each bolt, apply Permatex red threadlocker and reinstall, do a helicoil, or tap it to the next size up.

Permatex® High Strength Threadlocker Red, 10 ML - Permatex

 

Thanks for the input. The vehicle runs fine with no engine lights and seems to not leak any fuel. Hoping it stays this way. 🙏