304 exhaust bolt removal question

Chain Reaction

Active Member
I have an annoying exhaust leak and need to install new gaskets. I have read up on this and now know how easy the bolts break off. Is there a good way to remove the bolts without snapping them off in the block?
 

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Spray with penetrating oil every day for a week leading up to it.
In small movements. Tighten/loosen, loosen/tighten/loosen.
This ^^^

I will say though, you may still end up breaking one or two and if that happens, it isn't the end of the world. Just another PITA to deal with.
 

CalSgt

Hooked
Spray with penetrating oil every day for a week leading up to it.
In small movements. Tighten/loosen, loosen/tighten/loosen.
^^^ this and I’ve had good luck heating around the bolt if you can get to them. Also spray the penetrating oil when it’s hot as it cools it helps pull the oil in .
Yup

There is a great youtube video on this, the guy even explains how the manifold warpage effects things. IIRC he shows that after getting a bolt out he reinstalls it to take tension off of other bolts.

Search exhaust manifold bolt removal, and it's something about an old mechanic trick
 

Chain Reaction

Active Member
Yup

There is a great youtube video on this, the guy even explains how the manifold warpage effects things. IIRC he shows that after getting a bolt out he reinstalls it to take tension off of other bolts.

Search exhaust manifold bolt removal, and it's something about an old mechanic trick
Thanks, I will check it out.
 
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