Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

[Len Rayca]

I am about to try to remove the original studs on my 63 exhaust manifolds. Before starting to do so, I thought I would like the benefit of the experience of members of this board, and any tips that you might be willing to share with me. My concern is that because of their, age I anticipate them snapping off and me probabley having to drill them out and retap the holes. Any suggestions that would eliminate this hassle wil be greatly appreciated. Thanks Len # 39247

[Jim T.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

If you don't have a torch or the type of other equipment that can remove broken bolts in cast iron you should just find a good machine shop and pay them to remove your old exhaust studs. This is what I did on my 68's exhaust manifolds several years ago. Think I paid about $10 a stud for removal.

[Mike M.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

if you have an oxy-acetylene setup, heat the cast iron surrounding the studs and remove them with vice grips. try to keep heat away from the studs themselves and get the iron cherry red uniformly around the stud. P.S. don't touch heated cast iron accidently when rotating the studs out. may take several reheats to unthread the studs.If you've not done it before, go to junk yard and pick up some junk manifolds and experiment with the junk(preferably Blue oval manifolds--they're junk anyway).If your right manifold is a FI critter, be real careful not to break an ear off the manifold when heating and extracting the stud. good luck, mike

[Dave Christensen]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

If the studs don't come out easily, heat up the flange around the stud cherry red, grab the stud with a vise grip pliers, and it will come out easily. You will need an acetylene torch to get it hot enough.

If you don't do this, and break off a stud, you will WISH that you found someone with the acetylene torch to do it right. Drilling and tapping a broken stud is a PITA. I am speaking from experience on this one.

Soaking in penetrating oil, candle wax and a propane torch, etc. have never, ever worked for me.

good luck,

Dave Christensen

[Tracy C.]

[Mike McKown]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

Before I'd give $10 a stud, I'd:

a) Double nut the stud and try to back it out.

b) Use a PROPANE torch and heat the CAST IRON as hot as it would get and then try the double nut method.

c) snap the stud off and then drill it out and punch the remainder of the thread out. If required, buy a heli-coil kit and install.

d) Use the $10 X six studs equals $60 aand it makes a good down payment on a acetylene outfit which will come in very handy from time to time.

[Ed Jennings]

Heat, period *NM*

[Rob Dame]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

Assuming the manifolds are off the car take them to any muffler shop.
Ten dollars a stud seems like highway robbery to me.
That along a cold case of beer about 4:30 PM on a hot day.

Rob

[Bill W.]

Re: Heat, period

Heat has always worked for me . at work (Chevy dealer) they heat the the manifold and put parifin wax on the stud . the wax soaks in and the stud twists out .dont ask why but I have seen it done ? Bill

[Len Rayca]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Stud Removal

Thanks to all who replied to my call for your suggestions. I will definitely give heating the manifolds with a torch,and probably try using the wax also. If it looks like that is not working, the suggestion to take it to the local muffler shop is a good one and that is what I will do. Thanks again to ALL. Len