stock manifold bolt question

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ram15

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Ive been wanting to get some shorty headers to finish off the exhaust on my truck but haven't gone ahead with it cause im afraid the stock bolts might break off in the block. how common is this problem, do i need to worry about it or does it even happen.
 

Bigtman07

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Well I'm not going to say that it isn't common but it's not rare either. I would count on probably 1 or 2 breaking and hope and pray that you can get it with some pliers. I would suggest that before you try park the truck a while and soak it daily in PB Don't drive it and give it a shot. Chances are with the heating and cooling of the block that those guys are in there good.
 

ParrotHead FA

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I'd definitely do what he said, soak em good with penetrant for a day or so. Also see what kind of condition they are in. If they aren't covered with scale rust or anything, I'd say you should be able to get them out ok. I've put headers on a lot of vehicles, and I have never broken any yet. They are usually pretty heavy grade bolts. One trick I have used once or twice taught to me by another mechanic is if you get one that seems stuck and wont budge, rather than trying to power it out and possibly breaking it, start the engine and let it run for a minute, enough to get the block slightly warm (not hot), and then shut it down and try to remove the bolt again with the block a bit warm. I'm not sure exactly why this works, but both times I did it, the stuck bolt came out without breaking.
Dave
 

Bigtman07

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That is an option. The heat will expand the block and allow the bolts to come out more easily. Same idea if you put a torch to a bolt to loosen it.
 

mumbles84

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i know if i put headers on my truck defintely will have a torch handy i uasly cut the manifold bolt ears off it makes for a long hot day but i never had to take heads off to be drilled good luck
 
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