HELP Header Problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 531
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
HELP Header Problem
Hey all,
I tried to install a set of long tubes on my '01 this morning and ran into an obstacle - the bolts holding the connection between the h-pipe and the stock manifolds are so rusted that I can't even budge them - I tried to use a cheater bar on one of them (there's three on each manifold connector) and ended up snapping the actual bolt in half...Half of the bolt is still in the connector, and the other half fell on to the floor...The shop I am allowed to use does not allow me to use WD-40 or any other liquid lubricant while the car is on the lift, so I don't see any way for me to crack these open...Is it OK for me to drive the car in this condition? The side in question still has two of the bolts fully in place, and they are so rusty that they are locked in like concrete - I'm figuring that if I had to break the stupid bolt before I could get it to budge, then nothing I encounter on the road could possibly knock the other two bolts out - let me know your opinions!
I tried to install a set of long tubes on my '01 this morning and ran into an obstacle - the bolts holding the connection between the h-pipe and the stock manifolds are so rusted that I can't even budge them - I tried to use a cheater bar on one of them (there's three on each manifold connector) and ended up snapping the actual bolt in half...Half of the bolt is still in the connector, and the other half fell on to the floor...The shop I am allowed to use does not allow me to use WD-40 or any other liquid lubricant while the car is on the lift, so I don't see any way for me to crack these open...Is it OK for me to drive the car in this condition? The side in question still has two of the bolts fully in place, and they are so rusty that they are locked in like concrete - I'm figuring that if I had to break the stupid bolt before I could get it to budge, then nothing I encounter on the road could possibly knock the other two bolts out - let me know your opinions!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,253
Likes: 222
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
go back to your driveway spray w/pb blaster avail anywhere or wd40, use 1/2" drive breaker bar, or oxy/acetelane torch, or snap the studs off if your installing headers; i've done a few header installs and never had this problem, maybe the salt in CO
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 496
From: Hilton NY
If you're talking about the three nuts on studs per side then you need to heat them with a torch red hot. Heat and remove them one at a time, if the nut doesn't break loose when the torch is removed then heat it again. Don't allow the parts to cool down before you try to wrench them off. It takes about a minute of heat to get the nut/ stud red hot. A propane torch will do the job, use Map gas if you have it. Make shure not to aim the torch toward the wires down there and cover any wires with some aluminum ( tin foil ) as extra insurance. Also disconnect the battery first.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
They almost always snap off, for a few reasons (rust, the locking nature of the nut, etc.)
The best part is you don't care if they break.. You are going to ditch the stock manifolds anyway, so?
Half of mine snapped and a few others stripped on the way off the stud, forcing me to work it back and forth until they broke in half as well.
My car had 12K miles on it at the time..
The best part is you don't care if they break.. You are going to ditch the stock manifolds anyway, so?
Half of mine snapped and a few others stripped on the way off the stud, forcing me to work it back and forth until they broke in half as well.
My car had 12K miles on it at the time..
