Level of difficulty? passenger side exhaust manifold gasket

[phoeneous]

Im suffering from the infamous exhaust leak on the passenger side. Its extremely loud and gets louder as you accelereate. Picked up the gasket and sealer yesterday but wont do any work until saturday.

Has anyone tried changing this gasket? Steps in the chilton seem pretty self explanatory and luckily I dont have to remove the air compressor.

Any tips or precautions?

 

[unclemeat]

Start spraying the bolts with PB Blaster today. You will want to have a torch handy to help free up those stuck bolts. You may also want to have a few helicores handy for the bolts that you will break.

 

[410Fortune]

Yikes, while you should be prepared in case an exhaust bolt does break, I have worked on many Ford engines and have only seen one exhaust stud break, and I wasnt turning the wrench.

If you go slow the difficulty level is not that high, but just getting the plastic fender skirt out can be a project in of itself igf you have never done it before.

 

[phoeneous]

PB Blaster?

 

[section525]

http://www.completeoffroad.com/products/i-558.html

 

[phoeneous]

Old thread***

I was able to change the gasket last year but upon removing the manifold, I saw something I didnt want to, a giant crack. I guess the factory crimps (not even welds) didnt hold two well in place so the right part of the manifold seperated from the left. The local auto store obviously didnt have one in stock so I used jb weld and a pipe clamp to secure everything together. Changed the gasket and put everything back on.

The unbearable noise is still there so Im going to pony up and buy a new manifold. Ive come across this one which isnt too bad.

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/ExhaustManifolds/Ford/Explorer/PLP1390308/134451

Unless of course I can get away with taking it to a welder and have them weld everything back together? My only concern is the holes lining up with the engine.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

phoneous,

I have some cast manifolds off of my 2001 5.0 that I would like to sell. I believe that they will bolt on and are an improved design over the crimpped and stamped style. I would sell the pair shipped to your door for $80. You may need to check and see if they will bolt up the same, but I believe they will. You can see the ebay auction from when I tried to sell them with this auction number 8046213000 . Let me know if you are interested.

If anyone knows if these will or wont fit, please let me know.

EDIT: Click the link in my signature that says "Torque Monster Headers", my write up of the install may help you with an idea of what and how to do.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Have you given up on changing the manifold?

 

[Turdle]

Mine has been welded several times
I could change these in 15 minutes now
Welding will not work well, will look good at first, but because of the different alloy's just doesn't hold

 

[phoeneous]

Have you given up on changing the manifold?

No I havent. I have to buy a new one because the one youre offering doesnt fit. Thank you though.

 

[Turdle]

No I havent. I have to buy a new one because the one youre offering doesnt fit. Thank you though.

I think they would work

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I almost know they will work. They are a different design, being cast as opposed to stamped, and have a little bit better exhaust flow. They will definitely be stronger. If you look at the two versions side by side, the flanges bolt up in the same place and I know the blocks are the same. I can save you some money here and get rid of some stuff I don't need.

 

[phoeneous]

I need help with my brakes first actually, then Ill worry about the manifold.

 

[phoeneous]

Okay, brakes are done

Im interested but I only need the passenger side. Id buy the driver side but dont I have to remove the air compressor to get to the manifold? Ive never done that before and I dont have very many special tools. How much does each weigh?

 

[Turdle]

Honestly, it will be difficult without air tools.
Especially the inboard exhaust flange bolt on passenger side.
It can be done, but that one bolt, because of it's confined location, only allows about 1/32 turn with a manual ratchet. And it's long

if you can do the passenger side, the driver side will be easy

Also, make sure to spray all the bolts good with penetrating oil so you don't break one

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Okay, brakes are done

Im interested but I only need the passenger side. Id buy the driver side but dont I have to remove the air compressor to get to the manifold? Ive never done that before and I dont have very many special tools. How much does each weigh?

I saw your post on the brakes. Nice eye for details.

You do not have to remove anything for the driver’s side except for a heat shield on the back of the compressor. The cast manifolds are heavy- Id have to weigh them to know for sure.

Click the Torque Monster Headers link in my signature, and you can see my write up on installing them; it may help you with replacing your manifolds. Pay close attention to the Liquid Wrench. Another member on here also put on headers and did a write up. V8boatbuilder's write up here.

As for the passenger side manifold, if you have some loooong extensions, a good helper and ratchets it can be done. The biggest problem is the collector bolt. The outside one is easy, but the inboard one is very difficult to reach. I did mine with long sockets and a universal from the bottom side of the truck.

I think if you will sit down and read both install threads, it will help you greatly.

 

[phoeneous]

I actually replaced my passenger side manifold gasket already, thats how I discovered the manifold was cracked. After spraying pb b;aster on it, it really wasnt too difficult.

However, after months of thought, Ive decided to sell the Exp. Gas is just too expensive and I dont really need an SUV. Thans for the offer though, much appreciated!