Torch on Aluminum manifold? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-12-2007, 06:58 PM

I'm cleaning up a polished Edelbrock manifold and a plug that I want to replace is giving me a problem, now normally if I have a stuck bolt I just heat it up with my little propane torch and crack there she goes.

But I've never heated up Aluminum,

and I dont want to mess it up or discolor it

Has anybody done this ....Is it a problem???

Thanks.

jackyl9999 · 08-12-2007, 07:12 PM

The answer to your problem lies in the safe.

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-12-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackyl9999

The answer to your problem lies in the safe.

Ya had to go there!

cdowns · 08-12-2007, 07:54 PM

what is the plug you're trying to remove made of?? and how big is it?

Sinister · 08-12-2007, 08:10 PM

I try to use a little teflon tape when putting stuff in aluminum to prevent that from happening. Sorry, if this of little help to you...

Longhorn Man · 08-12-2007, 09:05 PM

antiseize would be better to help keep them from seizing in there... the answer probably IS in the safe!

Paul... I highly doubt a propane torch could do any damage... unless you were trying to melt it. Heat it up a little, and pay attention to the surface of the intake.

*Billla* · 08-12-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

antiseize would be better to help keep them from seizing in there

Paul... I highly doubt a propane torch could do any damage... unless you were trying to melt it. Heat it up a little, and pay attention to the surface of the intake.

- I also like to douse stuff in WD-40 or better yet beeswax when something's stuck...

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-12-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

what is the plug you're trying to remove made of?? and how big is it?

I'm not sure , it looks like a galvanized pipe plug if you ask me.

I've got a purdy stainless plug that will fit.

Now in the old days I'd just go to the "get a bigger hammer" approach, but in my old age I'm trying to not smash up or somehow destroy stuff as I "fix" it

Longhorn Man · 08-12-2007, 10:54 PM

Paul, why do we need to remove it?

krue · 08-12-2007, 11:12 PM

It ain't purty.

beautimus · 08-12-2007, 11:14 PM

Paul,
It looks like you should be able to reach the plug from the bottom side
through the water passage. try soaking it in pb blaster or wd40 from the bottom for a while. my guess is electrolosis has setup corrosion between the disssimalar metalsof the plug and the manifold. My vote (for what it's worth) is to Soak, peck on the bottom of the plug some, soak some more, and tap some more, over the course of several days before you try to loosen the plug.
that intake is too pretty to risk messin up, over a pipe plug. Just my 2 cents.
Good luck to you!!!
Tony

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-12-2007, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krue

It ain't purty.

Correct.

I like purty things, not old ugly nasty things

I have soaked it in PB (3 days) and really I haven't gave it the big yank, (I'm trying to be more delicate these days)

I'm just asking first (something I should have learned to do years ago)

1970 chev truck · 08-13-2007, 12:03 AM

hey Paul, mabye you should soak that safe of yours in PB!!

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-13-2007, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 chev truck

hey Paul, mabye you should soak that safe of yours in PB!!

LOL

It always goes back to that d@mn safe!

**Green Machine** · 08-13-2007, 12:53 AM

Find a 12 point socket that will fit an rattle it gently with an impact wrench turned way down.
(The socket that will fit that is in the safe.)

suville · 08-13-2007, 01:00 AM

Im sure you could heat the plug tap it gently with a small ballpeen spray it with wd40 or (my preference) PB let it cool, then try TIGHTENING IT FIRST then work it back and forth keep it soaking in PB and eventually it will come out. You want to be very carful to work it otherwise you will pull the threads out of the Aluminum. Hope that help ya sum! And when you install the new SS plug coat it with plumbers SS putty.

cdowns · 08-13-2007, 10:57 AM

i'd just clamp the vicegrips on it and wack it good with a hammer to see if i could loosen it up// the threads may be history because the dissimilar metals so in the end you might have to tap for the next size plug// you can also drill out the center then tap a bolt in the hole and use a welder to weld the bolt to the pipeplug ,that would bring the most heat to the thread area maybe dislodging the corrosion

Dano69c10 · 08-13-2007, 12:42 PM

Don't heat it! I had an e-brock manifold with a stuck plug in the same place. I took the propane torch to it and the manifold became brittle and broke at the plug. Hate to admit my mistake, but don't make the same mistake I did.
Dano

Bowtie001 · 08-13-2007, 01:19 PM

Tell ya what...

Send me the intake and the safe. I'll return the intake sans plug and the opened safe.

-Brian

Yeller68 · 08-13-2007, 02:33 PM

I keep expecting Fleetside Paul to quit posting, then soon we will see a new member that has the same color truck as Paul, same club membership, and from Southern Cal. But this new member will never use the word "safe" on this website.

prg machine · 08-13-2007, 03:22 PM

Do it like so: Center punch that plug dead on center the best you can. Center drill and step drill that guy out until it is thin wall, THEN, soak it good with a penetrating oil, WD-40 is not one , use Kroil or Gibbs. Now try it. It should come right out. The important thing is to step drill carefully. I have done this before right out to the thread minor diameter and pulled the remaining threads out like a helicoil. You can then chase your threads with the proper pipe tap.

08-12-2007, 06:58 PM	#1
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,419	Torch on Aluminum manifold? I'm cleaning up a polished Edelbrock manifold and a plug that I want to replace is giving me a problem, now normally if I have a stuck bolt I just heat it up with my little propane torch and crack there she goes. But I've never heated up Aluminum, and I dont want to mess it up or discolor it Has anybody done this ....Is it a problem??? Thanks. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

08-12-2007, 07:12 PM	#2
jackyl9999 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Paragould, Ar Posts: 571	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? The answer to your problem lies in the safe. __________________ 1970 Gmc Grande Sierra Swb 2wd LSX (LQ4/4L80e) 1990 K1500 Daily

08-12-2007, 07:54 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? what is the plug you're trying to remove made of?? and how big is it? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-12-2007, 08:10 PM	#5
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? I try to use a little teflon tape when putting stuff in aluminum to prevent that from happening. Sorry, if this of little help to you... __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-12-2007, 09:05 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? antiseize would be better to help keep them from seizing in there... the answer probably IS in the safe! Paul... I highly doubt a propane torch could do any damage... unless you were trying to melt it. Heat it up a little, and pay attention to the surface of the intake.

08-12-2007, 10:54 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Paul, why do we need to remove it?

08-12-2007, 11:12 PM	#10
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? It ain't purty. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-12-2007, 11:14 PM	#11
beautimus Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: woodstock, alabama, usa Posts: 938	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Paul, It looks like you should be able to reach the plug from the bottom side through the water passage. try soaking it in pb blaster or wd40 from the bottom for a while. my guess is electrolosis has setup corrosion between the disssimalar metalsof the plug and the manifold. My vote (for what it's worth) is to Soak, peck on the bottom of the plug some, soak some more, and tap some more, over the course of several days before you try to loosen the plug. that intake is too pretty to risk messin up, over a pipe plug. Just my 2 cents. Good luck to you!!! Tony __________________ i survived cancer and kidney stones, but my kids are killing me.

08-13-2007, 12:03 AM	#13
1970 chev truck Weldin' it up Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ironwood, Michigan Posts: 803	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? hey Paul, mabye you should soak that safe of yours in PB!! __________________ -Paul- RIP El Jay Dirt is for Racing, Asphalt is for Getting There If need be, send me an e-mail at cbm_racing_90@hotmail.com 1970 Custom/10 LWB 4X4 350/TH350 2003 Silverado 1500 Ext. cab 1974 Kawasaki 175 F7 Enduro 2002 Polaris Edge X 700

08-13-2007, 12:53 AM	#15
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Find a 12 point socket that will fit an rattle it gently with an impact wrench turned way down. (The socket that will fit that is in the safe.) __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0 Last edited by Green Machine; 08-13-2007 at 12:54 AM.

08-13-2007, 01:00 AM	#16
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Im sure you could heat the plug tap it gently with a small ballpeen spray it with wd40 or (my preference) PB let it cool, then try TIGHTENING IT FIRST then work it back and forth keep it soaking in PB and eventually it will come out. You want to be very carful to work it otherwise you will pull the threads out of the Aluminum. Hope that help ya sum! And when you install the new SS plug coat it with plumbers SS putty.

08-13-2007, 10:57 AM	#17
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? i'd just clamp the vicegrips on it and wack it good with a hammer to see if i could loosen it up// the threads may be history because the dissimilar metals so in the end you might have to tap for the next size plug// you can also drill out the center then tap a bolt in the hole and use a welder to weld the bolt to the pipeplug ,that would bring the most heat to the thread area maybe dislodging the corrosion __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-13-2007, 12:42 PM	#18
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Don't heat it! I had an e-brock manifold with a stuck plug in the same place. I took the propane torch to it and the manifold became brittle and broke at the plug. Hate to admit my mistake, but don't make the same mistake I did. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

08-13-2007, 01:19 PM	#19
Bowtie001 Project underway - finally. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 493	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Tell ya what... Send me the intake and the safe. I'll return the intake sans plug and the opened safe. -Brian __________________ 1972 GMC Pre-resto... awaiting allocated funding.

08-13-2007, 02:33 PM	#20
Yeller68 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Villa Rica, Ga Posts: 297	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? I keep expecting Fleetside Paul to quit posting, then soon we will see a new member that has the same color truck as Paul, same club membership, and from Southern Cal. But this new member will never use the word "safe" on this website.



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08-13-2007, 03:22 PM	#21
prg machine Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 1,069	Re: Torch on Aluminum manifold? Do it like so: Center punch that plug dead on center the best you can. Center drill and step drill that guy out until it is thin wall, THEN, soak it good with a penetrating oil, WD-40 is not one , use Kroil or Gibbs. Now try it. It should come right out. The important thing is to step drill carefully. I have done this before right out to the thread minor diameter and pulled the remaining threads out like a helicoil. You can then chase your threads with the proper pipe tap.

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