Suggestions for removing exhaust manifolds

Any suggestions on how to remove the exhaust manifold bolts with out breaking them? I have a cracked manifold and want to replace it. I'm guessing both my engines have never had the manifolds off in 30 plus years.

Thanks Lenard

 

Only thing I can recommend is soaking the bolts in PB blaster for a couple of days, respraying them daily, and then take it slow when you try to break them free.

 

Good luck.

 

In addition to using penatrating lubricant ,smack the head of the bolts with a hammer (or hammer and punch) prior to attempting to remove the bolts.

 

If you search, the usual advice is to get the bolts really hot, and use a lot of penetrating oil. The mechanics at the Jeep dealer used to get the manifolds rocket hot before attempting removal, following a high-speed run on the local highway. Clearly a burn danger - sleeves and gloves would be an obvious precaution. Torch heat is supposed to help too.

At worst, you break them off, yank the head and take it to your local automotive machine shop. They will make quick work of removing the broken bolts, for a nominal fee. All it will cost you is some time, some gaskets, and the shop charges.

 

Kroil is a good penetrant and heat is your friend. How much heat is an individual matter--propane torch or oxy-acetylene. I like the oxy/acet results myself. If you want to try to avoid breaking the bolts it may take some patience. If you get the bolt to move a little, move it back in and try again in little steps--kind of like going in and out instead of cranking down on it until it breaks.

 

That ain't gonna work if it's an F-head!

 

hi.heat and more heat.lots of it.work back n forth.apply lots of penetrate fluid.regards jim.

 

I have one off my parts motor. The others have been getting a daily shot of PB Blaster. Can't find kroil locally. I'll try the others today.

 

I was told by a old timer that if you heat the nut up first then rub wax on the thread you can work it off slowly. I have seen it done one time on some really rusted up bolts and It worked

 

Two words Methyl Salicylate This is the stuff in Ben Gay...the oil itself works great at loosening those rusted bolts. Apply the oil (not the greasy Ben Gay) let it sit for a couple of hours and bam it works.. Besides the smell isn't that bad...most of us old geasers already smell of Ben Gay.

 

3 out of 24 broke took most of Sun and Mon to get everything apart and back together. I started on Friday with a running Jeep its Tuesday and I can finally use it to push my parts jeep back into the trees so no one complains about it.