Is there a correct pattern for tightening the intake manifold bolts?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by weapon, Jun 27, 2026 at 9:47 AM.

  1. weapon

    weapon Junior Member

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    My steps: All of them down to snug fit, then center, left outside, right outside, inner left nut, inner right nut and repeat until 21 ft lbf (As per the manual).

    Is there a factory recommended way or better order?

    I have a possible air leak somewhere and it is now throwing codes after clean install.
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    It seems like you're looking at the same page in the manual that I am, and I don't see any specific order called out.
     
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    In an @NutzAboutBolts video, and this seems plausible, they say something to the affect of "while there's no order noted by Toyota, it's prudent to start with the center, work out to the extremities back-and-forth.

    What code(s)? Will the engine run, or it just shuts down? Double-check both ends of the pcv hose are connected? That's easy to miss.
     
  4. weapon

    weapon Junior Member

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    I mean I got it on like you would think it should go but was just wondering if there was an official order like the head bolts. Guess not.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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  6. weapon

    weapon Junior Member

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    Yeah. I have that manual pdf. Just states the ft pound not the order which seems strange.
     
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Nope and you have a pretty good amount of silicone gaskets sticking up out of the groive area . Somlenty to. Make the seal.
     
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  8. weapon

    weapon Junior Member

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    I ask because I just swapped in a cleaned egr and manifold and it started throwing error codes sputtering, puff of smoke and engine shut down (check hybrid system warning on screen). This is the second one I have done in the last few weeks and same as the first swap did something similar. So I had to remove everything and reseat all the parts then it worked fine.

    I am getting pretty quick at the removal and replacement though.
     
  9. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yeah these plastic intakes are pretty nice they go on and off pretty easily minimal fuss . No buried fasteners and all of that stuff