Exhaust Manifold Questions

[david-b]

Just a few Q&U:

1) Does the manifold have a bolt tightening/loosing sequence? The Haynes manual said nothing about it.

2) What is the best way to take off the manifold? Like after taking off the bolts, and it's not even loose, how can I take it off? I tried prying it off, but nothing worked. It's SO rusted on.

That bitch won't move. Thanks

[scottsee]

if you have the heat sheild off, run the car for a bit to heat it up, then use a breaker bar to bust the bolts loose.

[sganc4life_4]

If you have all of the bolts off, take a rubber hammer to it.

[drewh4386]

good luck! it took me 4 hours to remove my bolts after i got the heat shield off. They were all rust on. The hard part was the bolts by the t-belt under the header manifold.
oh yeah i forgot I used wd-40 and it made it easier. I stepped on mine. Also I removed my radiator to have more room.

:-\

[gthompson97]

P.B. Blaster for the bolts/nuts. it'll make it 10x easier to get them off.

are you sure ALL the bolts are off?? i don't remember my manifold being stuck to my head. i don't think they can stick or rust together.

[kjewer1]

I dont see how a cast manifold can rust to an aluminum head either, even if there wasnt a gasket between the two

There is no specific need for a torque sequence, but anytime you have surface that is supposed to stay flat being fastened to something, it makes sense. When in doubt, start in the middle and work your way out, alternating top and bottom. No different than any other torque sequence, the strategy is the same. Spead the force evenly. Starting at the outside will lock the ends down, and if the surface is not flat, tightening the middle bolts afterwards will put unnecessary stress on the surface, resulting in poor sealing or warpage.

[david-b]

It just wouldnt come off. All the bolts are off, and it didnt move. I tried a rubber mallet, didnt work, and a HUGE old-school tool (I dont even know what it was.. was my grandpas), and it just moved very little. The left corner slightly lifted. Running the engine and heating it up would work? Sounds kinda weird. Ill post pics of the manifold when I have time. Im thinking of just taking it to a shop and get er done there. I like doing work myself, but then I don't have to worry about it. I did use liquid wrench to get the bolts off.

Side note: Also, when doing that, you want to make sure that when using a rachet with long extenders on. My boss actually told me this. The longer extension won't strip or break any nuts/bolts.

[drewh4386]

handle or extension I used extensions for reach and the long rachet for torque