How do I get off stuck exhaust manifold bolts?

 

Talk dirty to them.

Typically a pre-soak with WD-40 or PB helps with that. You can also hammer at them a bit before twisting. Some people also heat them up using a small torch.

 

correct size socket, some elbow grease, pb blaster,

 

Really rusted? Lots of heat

 

And the easiest way to get a lot of heat is simply to drive the car.

 

Unfortunately, the car doesn't start.

 

Oh ******* hell, it's this guy

 

I just did this. We sprayed them with wd40, let them sit for a while, then all elbow grease. Good luck.

 

Positive thoughts.


Hey man your ride isn't running either, mmkay?

 

I quoted this one but I DO see all the replies. Thank you all! :D

This is where I am at right now..

 

YAY! Good. Same thinking.

 

Oh yeah.. I also have to hammer on a 7/16" because they are not 12mm anymore. ?

I possibly also need a longer wrench...

 

Letting it sit for now.... soak.. pb..

 

O-K. Not off yet.

About to mix this Acetone and ATF.. Spray liberal, and let sit overnight.



Going to work now

 

Here in the northeast we deal with extreme corrosion on a daily basis. As others have stated, heat. A MAPP gas torch is a good investment. Don't be afraid to get a fastener red hot. Also, don't let it cool back down before removing the fastener.

 

 

Ahhh, cool. This is a mistake I had made. GREAT!

 

Watching when I get home!

Thank you!

 

Below is the original post I had typed, before I read the above two replies. Just so we can all see my thinking.

Thank you all so much, and I will attempt this tomorrow.

/begin:
^^ At the moment, I can hammer a 7/16" wrench on to the head. The issue I am having is that the ANGLE of the manifold.. gives me a TINY bit of room to tap with the hammer. My wrench is small. If I go all-out on elbow grease.. I have the most slight bit of play on fitment to the bolt head, even with my hammering.

I would try the chisel and hammer, but I can only do this for slight periods of time, as I am in a residential neighborhood and any "noise" I make.. COULD be a problem, with cops rolling up. "Sir, what are you doing. We have received a complaint." 5 minutes is pushing it. (Great, since the heat of the day is over in the evening.)

A socket makes much, much more sense. I actually wonder.. if I can ha,,er on a 7/16" 6-point socket. And hope that I don't permanently "round off" the heads.

I saw one video where penetrating lube and the guy let it sit for a WEEK. At this point, I have not hit it with the heat, since I am saving that for when its time to boogie. I want it hot to get the metal relaxed, but then I want to try to go easier, since steel weakens when heated. That said.. I am re-making my ATF/Acetone mix every night.. Since I am doing my very best to get it under that round circle under the head.

Obviously, I want to do this before I continue head removal.

All of this said.. Should I:

A. Buy a longer wrench ? (*I don't have much room to turn it, with the things from the head in the way. Spark plug sleeves)
B. Buy those Irwin contour Vise Grips and let it be on there as tight as possible, ready for some great breaker bar and heat app?

- QUESTION: It has been said that I should have got "Map Gas" (Yellow) instead of "Propane" (Blue.) (Of course, this the first time I ever did this, so I am proud of myself.) I also heat the bolt AND THE METAL AROUND IT before I try to tap it loose, GENTLY.. with that hammer. SInce once it turns the first time I don't have to go hard.. "Elbow grease" is fine, but I don't want to round off OR SNAP this bolt. I really am hoping that if I am patient, I can get it.

C. Is my ATF/Acetone (and then PB, I really don't see what WD-40 can do here) every night a good strategy? I try to aim a minimal amount, since, again, that circle under the bolt.. Yes, I agree it is likely very tight.

????
/end

 

easiest way: attach a 3ft pole to the end of the ratchet or breaker bar and it will make a loud snap and theyw ill come out with ease works all the time

 

That's if they're tight not rusted

 

its always worked even with the worst corroded bolts i've seen bt it tends to strip them if not careful

 

I like this idea. (Create leverage. Wow. I am an idiot.)

Though maybe I can educate myself about heat, too. Not just the fulcrum and leverage principle. Duh. 2nd grade. Maybe 3rd... Why are teachers always so hot.

I am gonna watch the torch video, then. Let me ask: How easy do you do with that pipe..

 

Another trick that works amazingly is rubbing bees wax on the fastener where the threads meet after getting the nut/bolt hot. The wax penetrates and lubricates better than any chemical in a can. When you do this you'll notice the wax almost rushes into the threads as if by a magical power. It really helps.

 

another trick I used to get axle nuts loose is heat it with the torch, then while its still hot douse it with pb blaster. the cooling will more or less pull the lube into the threads. do that a couple times then heat that sucker up till its red and wrench it off