Exhaust Manifold Firewall side?

[durell81]

This feels like a silly question but I am going to ask anyway. Because after searching this forum and google I could not find anything related to my situation. Maybe it is me and bad luck. I removed the engine from my 1999 GP GT to replace most of the gaskets. While doing this I broke the Exhaust Manifold bolts off in the flange that connects the cross over pipe to the fire wall side exhaust. Is there a special way to remove those bolts? The reason I ask is because when they broke I thought no big deal there is still part of the bolt left on the bottom end of the flange I will just use a pair of vice grips and work it out. Well that did not work I just ended up destroying the threads and the bolt never moves. I soaked them in Mr. Wrench and then tried again. Needless to say nothing. I can't get them out. So I bought some reverse drill bits and drilled it. I screwed that up by not drilling straight. So my last resort was to go to the junk yard and remove the exhaust manifold off of a car. Guess what happens? After getting all the bolts out of the manifold except the last 2 bolts that connects the cross pipe. The bolts breaks off in the flange again.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

You need heat, lots of heat.

Grab a MAP torch and get those things hot as nuts and then turn the studs.

[JamesIvey24]

a little bit heat goes a long way man. find a fabricating shop and hand the guy $5 to get them out for you.

[jimzssei]

Having worked in an exhaust shop, back in the day, there is no easy solution to your dilema, but there are solutions.

Heat is always a huge help... acetylene would work best, but even map gas will work.

At this point I'd drill out what you can, heat each flange, not what's left of the bolt, and try an easy out.

Sent from my SGH-S959G using Tapatalk 2

[andesmint]

hmm... I may have a spare one laying around... I'll send it to you for the price of shipping i can find it. let me know if you want me to look

[Scottydoggs]

id drill that out and put a nut and bolt in there so fast, there wouldn't be a post till after it was done lol

[durell81]

hmm... I may have a spare one laying around... I'll send it to you for the price of shipping i can find it. let me know if you want me to look

Thanks! I think I will swing by an exhaust shop and see if they can get them out. If not I may take you up on your offer. But I am going to try a few more things.... Glade to know I am not the only one who has had problems with these suckers. I have slowly been putting the engine back together and this has been a pain in my side.

[durell81]

id drill that out and put a nut and bolt in there so fast, there wouldn't be a post till after it was done lol

I tried a reverse drill bit on one side but drilled it off center. Does any one have any suggestions on what bolts to use once I finally get these out.

[JamesIvey24]

grade 5 or grade 8 with some anti seize on the threads.

[BillBoost37]

You can whack them hard enough for the nuts to break free. Been there..done that.

[durell81]

grade 5 or grade 8 with some anti seize on the threads.

Thank you sir. I would be at a lost without this forum. So much information and knowledge and people do not mind sharing. I hope to be able to contribute one day.