Stripped Exhaust manifold stud - what to do??

[Peter B.]

Guys

I installed a new exhaust system on my 71 small block. Very Nice. As I was finishing the job I found that the stud on the drivers side (inside stud) was stripped. What do you recommend I do? I do not want to take off the manifold. Can I re-thread it for a smaller nut? Is it easy to remove from under the car and replace?

Thanks for the help.

[Mike M.]

Re: Stripped Exhaust manifold stud - what to do??

i am afraid you are going to have to remove the manifold and remove the stud with stripped threads. if you have an oxyacetylene outfit, heat the ears of the manifold surrounding the stud and put a pair of vice gips on the stud and remove it. if stud breaks and you haven;t any experieice with reomving such studs, take the manifold to local machine shop for removal. good luck, mike

[Peter B.]

Recommendations on removing exhaust manifold

How do you recommend I get the exhaust manifold out? Do I remove it from the bottom or the top? Any other components I need to remove to get it out?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Recommendations on removing exhaust manifold

Peter,

This is not a tough job, but you may have to remove the alternator for easy access. Then, open up the "french locks" on the outer exhaust bolts, and remove the 2 on each end and and the 2 in the middle. Comes out the top quite easily.

Power brakes and a large booster will make it somewhat more difficult, but not that much.

Patrick