Exhaust Manifold Removal

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Jan 13, 2005 | 01:26 PM

EVIL_GRIM

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 400

Likes: 1

From: California

Exhaust Manifold Removal

ok, i broke the ears off that go to the little donut on the exhaust manifold and now i have to replace it. how hard is it on a scale from 1 to 10 to replaced, and do i have to take the A.I.R. tubes off first? should i use any penetrating oil? is putting it back on harder or eaiser then uninstalling it?

Jan 13, 2005 | 01:30 PM

GDaina

Race Director

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 16,978

Likes: 7

From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio

do you have a picture? I can't visualize it...but it may just be a simple thing to weld it back..Take the pieces to a competent welder

Jan 13, 2005 | 01:35 PM

PRNDL

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 26,545

Likes: 46

From: Huntersville NC

It's probably a "2.5"

Your experience will vary. Some people have a lot of trouble getting the bolts loose. Then it can become an "8". But if you soak them with PB Blaster and let it sit overnight they should loosen up ok. My driverside exhaust manifold became an "8.5" for me. I have a bigblock with p/s and I couldn't get the darn thing out. All the bolts were out, the manifold was loose but I couldnt get it free!!!

. I had to unbolt the motor mount and jack up the engine a bit. AIR tubes? Mine are filled with little plugs. You probably need to take them out first, but I am not sure.

Jan 13, 2005 | 01:43 PM

EVIL_GRIM

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 400

Likes: 1

From: California

cool, thanks for the responses. i was not gonna use PB blaster on the bolts, but now i will, and u said to let it soak over night? or maybe at least 6 hours? this is my only day off and i wanna get it done today, but it that means making it harder then screw it.

Jan 13, 2005 | 01:50 PM

EVIL_GRIM

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 400

Likes: 1

From: California

Should i use any high temp RTV? i heard i should use it to bond it tot he manifold then to the head, but what if i just use a dab just to hold it in place? could i use just a small blob on the sides to hold it in place for installing or will it create problem down the road?

Jan 13, 2005 | 02:21 PM

NHvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 8,339

Likes: 24

From: I can walk to MA

RTV is simply to seal between the head and manifold.
No dab of RTV will hold the manifold up. Coat the surface
and use two bolts to hold it in place.

Good luck getting them out. I hope you have a 6-point socket for that.
A 12 point socket is most likely going to round of the heads.

Installation should be 1/10 as hard as removal ... IMO.

Cast iron can be welded, but it takes a skilled welder with the
right tools/materials. I would buy a new or used one.

Jan 13, 2005 | 02:35 PM

mayberg

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,191

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVIL_GRIM

.....do i have to take the A.I.R. tubes off first?

Yes, assuming the tubes that insert into the exhaust ports are still in place. These things are about 3 or 4 inches long, and if you don't have enough room to pull the manifold straight out from the head, they'll need to come out.

To remove them, you'll need to remove the AIR tubes, then remove the manifold, then work these tubes back out through the manifold. It will be obvious once you get the manifold loose. Not fun - a two person job on my big-block.

Hopefully you've got plenty of room. Good luck.