Broken manifold bolts

[JRT17]

I just bought a 2006 explorer 4.6 Eddie Bauer, and both of the back studs for the manifolds on both sides are broken off. I was wondering if anyone know what would be easier to do, pull the engine out and drill out the broken studs, or try to do it with the engine in the truck? There's 4 broken studs now, and I'm sure more will break when I try to undo the or their studs, so I was thinking it would be better to pull the engine out. Any advise will help. Thanks

 

[Flag Gibby]

A lot of posts on this particular issue. I would view the FordTechMakuloco video linked to in this particular one. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437401&highlight=manifold
The individual also has a good video on how to remove the broken manifold studs.

 

[JRT17]

Thanks Flag Gibby, I'll check out that link

 

[Explorer_PL]

Pulling the engine out would give you the best access to drill them out. And it's not that hard on the explorers. I did my both sides by just unbolting the motor from the mounts, piece of a lumber under the oil pan and jack up the engine one side at a time. Also, if you are really set to do it, remove all the studs, break whatever will break and take the manifold out, you'll have a lot more room to use angle drill. If you are lucky, they will come out with a reverse drill bit.

 

[JRT17]

Thanks Explorer PL, I'll try undoing the mounts and jacking up the motor to get more acces first, before taking the motor all the way out.