Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds.
03-06-2003, 09:17 AM
#1
Racer
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Location: nashville TN
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Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds.
I need to remove the exhaust manifolds soon. I am replacing a non-matching numbered manifold, french locks, gaskets, and the heat riser. I am going to paint them with high temp paint. I have several questions:
Is it neccessary or recommended to replace the studs in the manifolds?
Should the exhaust manifold to the block bolts be replaced?
Is a torque wrench neccessary for the job?
Should the gaskets and donut gaskets be replaced?
What else does the experience of the crowd need to tell me?
Thanks from Rick in Tennessee
Is it neccessary or recommended to replace the studs in the manifolds?
Should the exhaust manifold to the block bolts be replaced?
Is a torque wrench neccessary for the job?
Should the gaskets and donut gaskets be replaced?
What else does the experience of the crowd need to tell me?
Thanks from Rick in Tennessee
03-06-2003, 09:38 AM
#2
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Re: Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds. (Rick Church)
Rick, not necessary to replace the studs. Take a look and see what condition they are in.
Definately replace the gaskets and donuts. They are cheap enough.
Why not use the brush on coating? I have that on mine and it looks great. :cheers:
Definately replace the gaskets and donuts. They are cheap enough.
Why not use the brush on coating? I have that on mine and it looks great. :cheers:
03-06-2003, 09:47 AM
#3
Heel & Toe
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Re: Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds.
My only added advice is to start soaking the bolts with penetrating oil a few days before removal. They can be a bear to break free.
03-06-2003, 09:49 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
Re: Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds. (Rick Church)
I need to remove the exhaust manifolds soon. I am replacing a non-matching numbered manifold, french locks, gaskets, and the heat riser. I am going to paint them with high temp paint. I have several questions:
Is it neccessary or recommended to replace the studs in the manifolds?
No you don't have to replace the studs but it wouldn't be a bad idea to clean them up by running a die over them. You can get reasonably priced sets of "clean up" tap and dies at most auto stores. These are not for cutting new threads but merely clean up existing ones. You can also run the taps in the bolt holes in the heads to clean them out too and on the exhaust manifold bolts. Use a light oil when you do it
Should the exhaust manifold to the block bolts be replaced?
See above
Is a torque wrench neccessary for the job?
Couldn't hurt but it's not an absolute necessity. Start tightening from the center bolts out.
Should the gaskets and donut gaskets be replaced?
Absolutely
What else does the experience of the crowd need to tell me?
Don't put the french locks on right away. Tighten the manifolds and then run them for about a month. After each week go through the bolts and retighten them because the gaskets will shrink and the bolts will loosen. After a month remove the bolts in pairs and put the french locks on and retighten for a final time.
Get some manifold paint from Eastwood. It's a cast iron color and is brushed on. I used it when I had my stock manifolds and after 2 years it still looked great.
Thanks from Rick in Tennessee
Is it neccessary or recommended to replace the studs in the manifolds?
No you don't have to replace the studs but it wouldn't be a bad idea to clean them up by running a die over them. You can get reasonably priced sets of "clean up" tap and dies at most auto stores. These are not for cutting new threads but merely clean up existing ones. You can also run the taps in the bolt holes in the heads to clean them out too and on the exhaust manifold bolts. Use a light oil when you do it
Should the exhaust manifold to the block bolts be replaced?
See above
Is a torque wrench neccessary for the job?
Couldn't hurt but it's not an absolute necessity. Start tightening from the center bolts out.
Should the gaskets and donut gaskets be replaced?
Absolutely
What else does the experience of the crowd need to tell me?
Don't put the french locks on right away. Tighten the manifolds and then run them for about a month. After each week go through the bolts and retighten them because the gaskets will shrink and the bolts will loosen. After a month remove the bolts in pairs and put the french locks on and retighten for a final time.
Get some manifold paint from Eastwood. It's a cast iron color and is brushed on. I used it when I had my stock manifolds and after 2 years it still looked great.
Thanks from Rick in Tennessee
03-06-2003, 11:15 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Re: Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds. (fishman)
My only added advice is to start soaking the bolts with penetrating oil a few days before removal. They can be a bear to break free.
I busted one off in the head even though I did this. Vettefixr also has great advise about the threads and studs....Although I would replace the studs no matter what their condition. But...I'm ****!!! :D :D :D
Eddie
03-06-2003, 01:45 PM
#6
Team Owner
Most of us seem to use exhaust manifold gaskets, but Chevy did not install them when the cars were made. NCRS judging will ding you for a couple of points (not sure how many) for visible gaskets. MJ
03-06-2003, 01:59 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
Re: (MNJack)
Those exhaust bolts and studs take the most abuse. The elevated temps tend
to make the bolts rust faster. Unless they look really solid (basically new),
then I would be inclined to replace them. Definitely the bolts - since there
is no extra work involved - as there is with the studs.
You waited and searched a long time to find the right vette - so don't
start to cut corners. Do the job to the best of your abilities - both mechanically
and finacially.
Good Luck :seeya
to make the bolts rust faster. Unless they look really solid (basically new),
then I would be inclined to replace them. Definitely the bolts - since there
is no extra work involved - as there is with the studs.
You waited and searched a long time to find the right vette - so don't
start to cut corners. Do the job to the best of your abilities - both mechanically
and finacially.
Good Luck :seeya
03-07-2003, 12:32 AM
#8
Pro
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Re: Need tips and lessons learned on removing and reinstalling exhaust manifolds. (Rick Church)
Lay the mating surface on something flat to be sure it is true. Then find an engine that is out out the car and line up the header to see if the bolt holes are right. If not, there is a tool called a "header stretcher". If the holes don't line up, it will be a real beach to get all the bolts started. Good luck.