Cracked Exhaust?

[gtmud]

My 86 CJ-7 is leaking exhaust, I can hear ti, sounds like its coming from the back of the engine, near the firewall. Only problem is that I can't locate it. I don't see any cracks in the manifold, which from what I have heard, are pron to. Any suggestions. Figure That i will probably take the manifolds off and put on a new gasket. Which bring me to another question, any suggestions how to take the intake/exhaust manifolds off with out breaking the studs. Looks like this has never been done before.

[fredjacksonsan]

Good luck; with a veh that old the studs will be pretty rusted. I'd try some solution (wd-40? Coca Cola?) to get into the studs and loosen up the nuts prior to putting a wrench on them. Invariably, that will help with some but not all of them. You could try using (not sure of the name) a device that basically breaks the side of a nut, making it much easier to remove; you'd need to buy the tool. I would definitely inspect the old manifold really good, or just think about a header, since the manifold's prone to cracking and is old anyway.

Hope this is helpful.

[gtmud]

Thanks fred.. , I have opted for the header idea, the Borla system! I was able to remove the manifolds without any problem. This is more to do with the fact that the valve cover was leaking. Exhaust manifold in good condition, will sell. will post more once header is installed.

[fredjacksonsan]

Guess that constant drip drip drip of oil on the manifold nuts made 'em easy to take off. : )