I have a 1997 4.6L f-150. After hearing an exhaust leak I have found that where the pipe bolts to the exhaust manifold, (where the asbestos doughnut lives)....the bolts are literally rotted and split.

Are these bolts pressed in? Has anyone experienced repair of this union? I don't know if this will be a hump of a job or simple, just looking for a heads up on doing this before I start.

 

They thread in

 

Okay, so if they are rotted so badly that they won't turn out, do you recommend drilling them out and replacing same with SS bolts? That is the way I see it so far. While I'm up there I plan to do both sides. Having already being up and under there, you guys suggest hitting anything else for proactive reasons?

 

I don't think there will be an asbestos doughnut in there.
They've been using a tapered cone for sealing exhaust for awhile.
The old studs can be drilled out and bolts used to clamp it together.
If the threads can be restored, bolts or new studs (preferably SS) would work.

 

Thank you. It is good to have insight into something that is new to us. Thanks again for shedding some light on this. -Greg O

 

Yeah, R&T is correct. There is no gasket there. The joint is a ball and socket style, which does not use a gasket. This picture is not exactly what we have, but the same concept.

 

Oh great! Thanks White, that picture says it all, now I can proceed with a much better idea of what I need to do.

 

You could go to any parts shop and buy a special clamp that goes around flange end of exhaust manifold and flange of pipe. Then 2 bolts and nuts pull the two together.