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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Princeton, NJ
Posts: 40
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Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
Hi guys,
I'm trying to remove the exhaust manifold on a 1971 chevy 350. Since 2 of the bolts connecting the manifold to the cylinder head are rounded, I used a Dremel to grind the bolt heads. Now, I have 4 bolts removed and 2 bolt heads grinded down. That's all the bolts holding the manifold to the head (6), correct? I'm asking because the manifold will not budge at all. I've whacked it many many times with a mallet and sprayed PBblaster, but to no avail. It would even budge... Does the exhaust manifold fit into the cylinder head? Like does it fit into the head like a socket? If all the bolts are actually removed, would it stay on by itself or should it just fall off? Also, is it okay to take a bar and pry the thing off, pressing on the valve cover to get leverage? Or will that damage the valve cover? I'm having trouble figuring out what's still holding it on. Just flat out rust? Or am I forgetting to remove a bolt from somewhere? Any advice? ![]() ![]() ![]() Thanks, David Last edited by dzwestwindsor; 07-14-2013 at 08:44 PM. |
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#2 |
Roadtrip!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Rapids MN
Posts: 13,726
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Re: Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
Just rust. The 2 bolts still in are making it tough. You can try to pry on it, but you may bend the valve cover some unless you can get a better pry somehow.
__________________
67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 23
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Re: Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
Had the same problem. Tried PB Blaster, Kroil, the freezing stuff, fancy tools for getting off rounded bolt heads, without success. Think there was two of them too. Don't feel bad. Someone once said exhaust manifold bolts are the hardest job on a car. I believe it. Took me three weeks.
There are only six. You need heat. Forget map gas. Oxy-acetylene until they are bright orange. Then I was able to get them out with a vice grips. Focus heat on the manifold only, not the head.
__________________
'67 C20 Custom Camper. 327, three-on-the-tree. No power anything! ![]() |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Diego Co.
Posts: 1,162
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Re: Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
Quote:
I'm guessing that's why these bolts are rounded...someone tried a little too hard without heat...and they rounded. Oh, and one more thing. Don't be afraid to tap on those bolts with a hammer after/during heating. The shock will loosen things up too. Just don't miss and damage your manifold.
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1972 Chevy C-10, SWB, Fleet, 350/350, PS, PB, HEI, mostly stock, Survivor. ![]() |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 487
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Re: Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
Having the same problem with the pass exhaust manifold on my 67. All but one bolt came out. The last one was rounded off. Ground the head down but still can't get it free. Time to get the torch out.
Posted via Mobile Device
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Rich J. 1967 Chevy C20 Longbed Stepside w/283 and 4spdSOLD ![]() 2002 Chevy Tahoe 4X4 5.3L SOLD 2015 Chevy Silverado Crew 4X4 5.3L |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Princeton, NJ
Posts: 40
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Re: Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
Hi thanks for the suggestions guys..
Just to clarify, 4 bolts are out, and 2 bolts have no more bolt head on them (because I cut them off with a Dremel since I gave up on trying to get something to catch on those rounded bolt heads). So technically at this point, without rust, the manifold should slide out. But it is dead stuck and not moving at all. So in this case do I still torch around the bolts? Where's the rust, around the bolts or in between the manifold and cylinder head, that's keeping it from moving? |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tucson AZ by way of WI & CA
Posts: 509
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Re: Exhaust manifold stuck to the head
The rust is around the bolt and the hole in the manifold. If you cut the head of the bolt off and are left with nothing sticking out about all you can do is to heat the manifold in that area, and try to pry the manifold loose. Another option would be to weld a nut to the stud then heat and try to remove the bolt. Good luck
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