tryan037

So my 4.6 is ticking like a time bomb from the driver side exhaust manifold. I would love to fix it but am a little apprehensive to do so. I have had a problem with the studs breaking on a 460 I did about 6 months ago. and in comparison the stauds look about half the thickness of the ones on the 460.
Im wondering if there are any tricks to getting them out with out breaking them and if broken, tricks on getting them out without pulling the head.

ideas?

Thanks

Brattonr

My only suggestion would be to soak them long and hard with PB Blaster. And work slowly.

97150offroad

they will break

no matter what!! i have had no luck whatsoeverboth of my manifolds leak. the quality of the bolts that Ford uses to mount the manifold and the two bolts that hold the exhaust to each manifold is absolute junk.

Good old Bill

Just a question or should say suggestion. Try using an impact gun with the regulator turned down, sometimes the jolting or hammering of the gun helps prevent breakage.

tryan037

Is that from experience? I am just scared to death to do this. I did some exhaust work over the weekend and the bolts holding my flnges together were so bad they just fell out so it is just vise gripped together for now. I only have two days to do it once i start. I cant afford to have to pull heads and all.

jhelrey

Just drop part of the exhaust, cut the studs off, drill holes, insert new bolts, tighten up and you are set.

Good old Bill

Yes, the hammering of the gun has removed more frozen nuts and bolts then you can believe. Breakage can and will happen if the studs are corroded thin. I have changed alot of engines in older vehicles, first look at the exhaust to manifold nuts and I new I was dead, put on the impact gun and off they came, of course there were casualties also.

Brattonr

If you let the PB Blaster soak the nuts and try Bills suggestion you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. I tend to break bolts that you "can't" break anyway, so I am usually extra careful when removing nuts/bolts. Anything aluminum is red flags for me.

tryan037

any difference if done with the engine warm or cold?

Brattonr

The burns on your hands? I think the studs would tend to break off easier if they are hot. I may be wrong though.