advice needed please

[daveh]

a few weeks ago i replaced the manifold and downpipe
on my p5. and all fitted perfectly, no blows etc: since
doing this job i have read that you must make sure the
locking tabs that go between the manifold ports on the
studs on the block to secure the manifold.must be fitted
the correct way around, these locking tabs have a round
center boss on one side of them, this makes the center
twice as thick as the part that locks the manifold to the block
does this center boss face the block or away from the block?
mine are fitted facing away, i dont want to cause the new manifold
to crack  and give myself the problem again prematurely. they were
refitted the same way as they came off and wondered if this caused the
problem in the first place,

[Phil Nottingham]

I said at the time the flat face is under the washer/nut, The other side is curved to allow expansion movement without leaks. Fitting the wrong way or over tightening the nuts will cause distortion and fractures.

The WSM makes this point too but most mechanics in garages ignore the manual and fit them opposite way round which is not the logical way if examined properly

[daveh]

many thank for your reply i wasn't sure if they were fitted the correct way 
as the raised round boss on one side of them looked like they were designed
to fit between the manifold ports, mine are fitted with this raised center boss
facing away from the engine block, and they were fitted that way on the cracked
manifold. i am relieved that i have it correct to hopefully save further problems

[Phil Nottingham]

They are the correct way then so will be OK if not too tightly fastened.  

[daveh]

Jan 19, 2016 22:00:02 GMT Phil Nottingham said:

They are the correct way then so will be OK if not too tightly fastened.  

i could only get a small spanner on the five larger nuts between the manifold ports,
i did get a socket on the end two nuts. i only added about half a turn extra above hand tight
then i ran the engine to check for blowing and pinch up a bit more, then next day when cold i got
a bit more on the nuts.and have left it at that lets hope it's not to tight.

[Phil Nottingham]

Seems just right to me