Murphy Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Getting ready to remove the original exhaust manifolds for a header install..........The manifolds haven't been off in 20+ yrs and I'm afraid of snapping the bolts off. Haven't put a wrench on it yet so maybe I'm premature in this posting. Any suggestions in preventing me from getting really pissed off?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allchevy Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Spray them down ahead of time of course, and it might help to hit the head of the bolt with a ball peen hammer if you have room, just take your time. if that doesn't work have a beer or two and wait for more replies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam (Bones) Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I would use a six point socket, a twelve point could slip if the heads of the bolts are extremely rusty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 Spray them down ahead of time of course, and it might help to hit the head of the bolt with a ball peen hammer if you have room, just take your time. if that doesn't work have a beer or two and wait for more replies! Â I like the hammer & beer method.....trying to think of other situations where that might come in useful!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leghome Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 My grand dad always said if you can't cuss and hit with a hammer it ain't worth fixin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 We used to just cut the heads off with a torch and then grab the bolt with vice grips and they just come right out. Thats after tring with a wrench first to see if they come out. If they dont come out fairly easily dont force then because if they break off flush in the head you will have more problems. spray it down a few times with pb blaster or kroil, let it sit for a while after spraying you may want to spray several times. I do like the beer idea too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VE3HZZ Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I would have to agree 20+ years and either they come out easy or they don't at all and you will need plan B. And if you break it off in there..well that is more of a problem. Just watched Welding Tips N Tricks guy Jody welding on top of an exhaust stud (on the exhaust manifold not the head) for get a bung so they could get a set of vice grips on to loosen and remove them. He got luck with the heating cycles and got it out not too bad. Some times they just won't budge.  I think the cut the heads off and then some well placed heat and pliers idea is the best..IMO.  Good Luck  Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overdrive Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I've never had much trouble with the bolts in the heads. It's the nuts on the exhaust pipe studs that can be tough to get loose without breaking the studs, but if you're not reusing the manifolds, there's no need to spend alot of time trying to save the studs. If someone had enough forethought to install the exhaust pipes years ago with brass nuts on the studs, you'll have little trouble with them. Â Good luck! Â Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike 57 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Have to agree with Sam, get a 9/16 six point socket. I have never had an issue getting manifolds off, down pipes a different thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 If possible, keep the iron manifolds in the event you want to change back some day, or for the next owner if you sell. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 Thanks for all the input!! I definately hope to preserve the original manifolds Bruce. Now where's my hammer?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allbowtie Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Kroil and a 12 pt socket should do the deed. After the soaking, use ever so gently increasing pressure with the 12 pt socket. Kroil is about the best stuff I have used. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 How is Kroil or PB Blaster going to get to the threads? Aren't the manifold bolts threaded into the heads which are covered/protected by the manifold? will it soak in thru that seem?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallaby Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 As stated above, the bolts that hold the manifold to the engine aren't too bad...it's the nuts down below that hold on the exhaust pipe that tend to give trouble. You will probably want to use a 6-point deep socket and some tecnique when loosening them. Oil them down first with PB blaster or some other penetrating oil. When you go to loosen them, they will likeley crack loose and then jam up and not want to go any further...at that point, try tightening it back up a bit and then unscrewing it again. It's this back & forth motion as you go that will clear the threads and eventually it should come apart. A constant forcefull loosening often results in something breaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leghome Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I wholeheartedly agree with Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue502 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 I wouldn't count on anything coming loose.Give it your best effort,no matter how long it takes.I would give each bolt a good wack with a hammer.Next I would cut the head of each bolt and remove the manifold.Use penetrating oil on the thread/head area and let it soak overnight.Heat the stud red hot and also the area around the stud at the head.Take a water soaked rag and cool the stud.This causes the stud to retract and brakes the bond with the rust.Use 2 vice grips on the stud and try a back and forth motion to get it started. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Well, Sunday I got 15 of 16 out. The old wack it first with a hammer, then try to tighten (just a fuzz) then attempt to loosen did the trick. The last one is closest to the firewall/drivers side..........I'm babying this one as I really don't want her to snap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted July 23, 2012 Author Share Posted July 23, 2012 Don't know what I was thinking when I said 15 of 16???There's only 12! Anyway, got the entire exhaust system off, man those manifolds are heavy!! Using new ARP chromoly header bolts, why aren't washers used/included or even locking washers? Is it due to the heat issue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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