C3 LS5 Exhaust manifold removal

[tom444634]

My drivers side exhaust manifold has a crack in the front mounting ear. I believe it is causing an exhaust leak whenever the car sits for about 20 to 30 minutes after bieing run I figure that the manifold cools faster then the block and pulls away somewhat causing an very annoying leak. It will go away after about 5 minutes of running. It does not do this when the engine is cold only after it has sat for a bit after running.

Anyway, I am removing the exhaust to do some trans work and was contemplating pulling the manifold to have it repaired while the trans is out. Now the question is... what are the chances that I can get the manifold off without any of the bolts breaking (hold the laughter please!). The manifolds have never been off before and the car has about 120k on it.

Experiences or advise please??

Tom

[Richard Hayes]

Re: C3 LS5 Exhaust manifold removal

Tom,

First soak it with PB Blast. Second-soak it with MORE PB Blast. Third, hit it again with even more PB Blast. Repeat for a day or two.

Use a 6point socket and IF the bolt is not making any noise while it starts to turn-STOP- or you will then hear a snap!

Just take you time and you might get lucky.

Good luck-

Richard