Trickes to getting exhaust bolts out

wpurple · February 17, 2006

Tricks to getting exhaust bolts out

Well, I was going to start the install of my TMH's, so I figured before I put the vehicle in the garage and start tearing everything apart, I would at least see if I could get the bolts out of the exhaust to manifold.
I have been soaking them with PB blaster, and they wouldn't budge.

I wanted to really crank on them, but I was afraid if went more than I was that I would strip the head of the bolt and I would really be screwed. If I snap the head off, then that is no problem.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

TarHeel085 · February 17, 2006

as dumb as this sounds, start the truck and let it run for a minute so that the bolts will heat up and come out a little easier. though it will make it a lil hotter working enviroment

south59 · February 17, 2006

You could also get a small propane torch and heat each individual bolt up until cherry red, they should come right out.

TarHeel085 · February 17, 2006

south59 said:
You could also get a small propane torch and heat each individual bolt up until cherry red, they should come right out.

unfortunately, thats a really good way to strip the head, u MUST absolutely must make sure you are using the exact right size socket.

south59 · February 17, 2006

TarHeel085 said:
unfortunately, thats a really good way to strip the head, u MUST absolutely must make sure you are using the exact right size socket.

I've never once stripped a cherried head whether it be on my truck or at work, but I have been careful in choosing the right socket and using the proper motions, ie not jerky etc...

section525 · February 17, 2006

Those bolts are the worst! I broke one on my last uninstall. It's a good thing thr TM headers come with new ones!

It's the driver's side... isn't it!?

I've had luck with just using a long 1/2" extension and a breaker bar and turning nice and easy.

wpurple · February 18, 2006

Yup, drivers side.
I was going to heat it up with a torch, but there is just too much flammable stuff around it. There are extra fuel lines there from the FMU and inline pump...rather not take a chance.
I guess I can just take a rap at it and hope to just shear the head right off, as I won't be reusing the bolts, or the manifolds.

'97 V8 · February 18, 2006

iwas justwonderingif you did that then how are you goingto hettherest of thebolt out? Am i not understanding what you mean bysheering the bolt off?

section525 · February 18, 2006

He means the bolt will break right between the collector flange and the collector. Which would have the same effect as taking the entire bolt out.

Turdle · February 18, 2006

Are you able to get to the passenger side collector bolts?
The inboard one is fun, I'll tell you
Do you have air tools?

wpurple · February 19, 2006

No air tools, did borrow a bigger breaker bar.
A friend of mine who has a much larger set of tools then I, and who helped me on the install of the Supercharger is going to give me a hand next weekend with the install.

I have a large tool set, but there all Craftsman tools, he has all snap on, and after working with snap on, they fit and work MUCH better than Craftsman.
Plus having 2 people is easier than 1.

(And he has a 3 car heated garage, and since it's 13 out today, that comes in very handy)

BrooklynBay · February 19, 2006

I once broke off one of those bolts. It had a threaded opening on the exhaust header. I had to remove the header, drill out the bolt, and just use a grade 8 bolt, and nut. I priced a new header, and it was $93 from the dealer, so drilling it out was a better option. This was on the 3.0's passenger side.

'97 V8 · February 19, 2006

this is the only reason why i havent bought my set of tmh's yet. i am so afraid ill break a bolt.

wpurple · February 19, 2006

Thought it was going to be a better day, used a torch (I was able to get the torch in there w/o any problem)
then the craftsman socket broke what a POS.

Going to have to wait till the weekend until I get good tools to use.

BrooklynBay · February 19, 2006

Was the Craftsman socket a regular one, or an impact socket?

mnealuf · February 19, 2006

I do a lot of salt water boating where corressiosion is always an issue. I have used all the popular pentration oils and like PB Blaster the best....try soaking the hardware everyday for a couple days...I have seen it work wonders.

wpurple · February 20, 2006

Finally

, I have the drivers side bolts loose. I just heated the snot out of it with a MAPP torch, and used a hefty 1/2" socket and just was firm but careful. Once they break free, they are relatively easy to get the rest out.
I didn't try the passenger side yet, but they look much easier and they are not so rusted.
Started to soak them tonight, will try tomorrow. A

Amazing how little time I have in the evenings...plus the fact it is so cold out.

Hopefully this weekend will be the install.

MountaineerGreen · February 20, 2006

I am preparing to install TMH's and today I took a non aersol bottle of liquid wrench, attached a clear hose to the spout. I ran the hose up to nearly all the bolts and soaked them down. I am going to repeat tomrrow and the next day, Im hoping that they will come out easier. The clear hose works great and the oil really stinks when the manifolds are hot. Maybe you can try that for the passenger side. Good luck.

wpurple · February 20, 2006

At least for the passanger side, you arn't laying on your back getting rust and PB blaster in your eyes

The passenger bolts are accessable from the wheel well.

Going to spray everything down with some degreaser too, just to make the whole job alot cleaner too.

BrooklynBay · February 20, 2006

Those sprays are very flammable! Make sure everything is completely dry before using a torch.

Trickes to getting exhaust bolts out

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