
How to Remove Rusted Exhaust Manifold Bolts (Steps)
- Step 1: Make sure the engine is cool to touch Heat causes your exhaust manifold bolts to expand and break. ...
- Step 2: Place a thick towel or something similar under the exhaust manifold ...
- Step 3: Apply penetrating oil to loosen the rust ...
- Step 4: Use a ratchet or wrench to loosen the bolts ...
- Step 5: Take the bolts off the exhaust manifold ...
How do you remove a rusted exhaust bolt?
Heat It All Heating the rusted exhaust bolts and then cooling to the highest degree expands and contracts it at the same time. This might loosen the stubborn bolt and make it easier to move it with simple tools.
How to remove exhaust manifold bolts?
If you have a ratchet with an extension, use it to remove a rusted or broken exhaust manifold bolt. Otherwise, use a wrench to loosen the manifold bolts. You can also try penetrating oil for this job. The loosened bolts should come out quickly when you take them off in the next step.
Why are my exhaust bolts rusting?
Your exhaust bolts are at risk of getting rusted if they’re exposed to moist, humid conditions. If you live near the ocean, have your exhaust manifold checked for rust frequently. Saltwater is a big culprit when it comes to causing exhaust fasteners to rust and break off. Even r usted exhaust bolts made out of stainless steel are still at risk.
How do you heat the exhaust manifold studs?
Use a hand held torch to get the engine block around the exhaust manifold stud as hot as possible. The stud casing will expand with the heat, giving a little wiggle room for the bolt. You will have to work quickly before the heat transfers from the engine block to the bolt.
How to remove rusted bolts?
Why are exhaust bolts rusting?
What is an exhaust manifold bolt?
What happens if you don’t remove rusted or broken screws & bolts?
What happens when you remove the exhaust manifold?
What tool to use to remove rusted bolts?
Why does exhaust gas shoot out?
See 2 more

How do you remove rust from exhaust manifold bolts?
0:001:42tips on REMOVING a “rusty” exhaust manifold - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then put the socket on like this and tap it on and you can break these bolts loose. With aMoreAnd then put the socket on like this and tap it on and you can break these bolts loose. With a socket or a breaker bar because of the heat these can be a challenge.
How do you clean rust off exhaust manifolds?
Soak an old rag or a cheap dishcloth in the vinegar and wrap it around the rusted area of the exhaust. The longer you leave the cloth in place, the better the results will be. After you have let it rest for a while, take away the cloth and wipe down the pipe with water to clear away the loosened rust.
How do you remove exhaust studs without breaking them?
4:056:01How To Remove LS Exhaust Manifold Bolts without Breaking Them | VortecYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLoose all right now after a little bit of elbow. Grease. It is off all right so for me i found itMoreLoose all right now after a little bit of elbow. Grease. It is off all right so for me i found it was easiest to use both methods.
Is it normal for exhaust manifold to rust?
Bare cast steel is going to rust, all the quicker when you add exhaust heat. So while the rest of the engine bay looks great, the exhaust manifolds are often rusted and grungy.
What's the best rust remover?
The best rust removerThe best overall: Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover.The best on a budget: Whink Rust Remover.The best multipurpose: WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.The best for household: Iron Out Spray Rust Stain Remover.The best for heavy duty: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer.
Should you paint exhaust manifold?
Painting exhaust manifolds has its own set of problems. If the manifolds are not perfectly clean, the paint won't stick and flakes off. Even if they are sandblasted and ultra-clean, high-temp paints eventually burn off, leaving a patchy, unnatural looking manifold.
Should you put anti seize on exhaust manifold bolts?
You should use anti-seize on all the bolts on your exhaust system, intake manifold, and any steel bolts that join aluminum or another metal different from the bolt. It is recommended to apply anti seize to any bolts prone to seizing.
How do you drill out exhaust studs?
5:246:29Broke a Stud in Car Exhaust Manifold? How to Remove it by ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the engine's a little bit at an angle along the side you need to be going at an angle like thisMoreIf the engine's a little bit at an angle along the side you need to be going at an angle like this when you're drilling don't go like. That. As you can tell by looking at my stud.
What is the best way to get exhaust manifold bolts out?
0:516:17How to: Remove exhaust manifold bolts without snapping them off! GM ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo after I remove this exhaust manifold I simply just have to keep that head in the fastener. AndMoreSo after I remove this exhaust manifold I simply just have to keep that head in the fastener. And put a set of vise grips on it and walk the path and walk the remains of the bolt. Out. Ten millimeter
How hot does a cast iron exhaust manifold get?
Manifolds and/or exhaust pipes on some vehicles can reach 1200 degrees F. It is rare to find temperatures this high in normal operation. The hottest locations tend to be those for which there is some constriction or impingement of exhaust gas.
What does rust on a muffler mean?
Mufflers that are made from reactive metals such as steel will eventually rust, thanks to the constant presence of condensation due to its action as a filter for hot, dangerous gases. Mufflers that have been chrome plated both outside and inside are less at risk for rusting.
What can I use to clean my exhaust manifold?
Using a lacquer thinner, soak the interior of the manifold. Using steel wool and a wire brush, scrub the manifold exterior, paying special attention to coated spots. Wipe the entire manifold with the lacquer, let it sit for a while. After the manifold has been cleaned, you simply need to reattach it to the engine.
How do you prep an exhaust manifold for paint?
0:124:26Spray painting exhaust manifold or headers - high temperature ceramic ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGave it a good bath to degrease it get it ready to rock and roll. Now that we've got this degreased.MoreGave it a good bath to degrease it get it ready to rock and roll. Now that we've got this degreased. We don't want it to flash rust. So I'm just going to pop it in the oven. Let it dry out.
How do you clean a manifold pipe?
The cleaning sequence is to first flush the manifold or lateral. Then run either a jetter attachment or a plumber snake with a brush attached through the piping. An alternative cleaning method is to vacuum the lines with a vacuum truck. Then flush the line again.
How do you clean an exhaust manifold gasket surface?
1:375:31Cleaning A Gasket Surface: Tips and Tricks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow being that this is iron we can go ahead and use a razor blade to scrape the surface of it to getMoreNow being that this is iron we can go ahead and use a razor blade to scrape the surface of it to get off anything chunks. You still want to be careful not to gauge the surface.
Step 1 - Hammer Time
Sometimes all your exhaust manifold studs need are a little bit of coaxing. A couple of firm taps with a hammer may be all it takes. The jolt from...
Step 2 - Leverage
It’s the simplest idea that works most often with stuck bolts — use a cheater bar. Adding a length of iron pipe to your wrench or ratchet will give...
Step 3 - Silicon Lubricant
An industrial strength silicon lubricant spray will work wonders at loosening bolts that have been seized by rust and corrosion. Use a directional...
Step 4 - Block Heating
If you can’t loosen the bolt inside the engine block, then loosen the engine block around the bolt. Use a hand held torch to get the engine block a...
Step 5 - Fire and Ice
A faster option to the block heating method is to heat the exhaust manifold bolt itself and then cool it quickly. To do this, use your torch on the...
How to Remove A Rusted Exhaust Manifold bolt | Mechanics Hub
Every mechanic has had a few of these. There isn’t any one single trick that will work on all of them, but there are some simple principles that will get you out of the situation if you just don’t lose your patience. If you strain on the end of the wrench or socket handle and… Continue reading How to Remove A Rusted Exhaust Manifold bolt
How to Remove an Exhaust Manifold | DoItYourself.com
An exhaust manifold performs a single but vital function on your car and takes gases from the engine through to the exhaust pipe. Since these gases are poisonous, this is highly important. However, from time to time, the gasket on the manifold will need replacing which involves removing the exhaust manifold completely.
How to remove rusted bolts?
If you haven’t had any luck with penetrating oil, try using a heat gun or hair dryer to remove rusted bolts. Point the heat on each bolt and wait for about five minutes. If they still don’t budge, then use a metal pry bar.
Why are exhaust bolts rusting?
Your exhaust bolts are at risk of getting rusted if they’re exposed to moist, humid conditions. If you live near the ocean, have your exhaust manifold checked for rust frequently. Saltwater is a big culprit when it comes to causing exhaust fasteners to rust and break off. Even r usted exhaust bolts made out of stainless steel are still at risk.
What is an exhaust manifold bolt?
In your vehicle exhaust system, exhaust bolts hold various exhaust pipes to a car exhaust manifold. These exhaust manifolds are responsible for routing the exhaust from cylinders in the car engine. Also, to the rear of the vehicle or out through an exhaust pipe. The exhaust manifold is bolted onto a cylinder head and sends hot gas from engine cylinders into a collector, which routes the exhaust to the rear of the vehicle.
What happens if you don’t remove rusted or broken screws & bolts?
If you remove all the bolts and leave some rusted ones behind, your car could catch on fire. When exhaust manifold bolts rust and corrode, they weaken and shrink. If they shrink enough, you may also face exhaust leak. The manifold can separate from your engine head. If you remove all of your rusted bolts and a few fall into the engine bay, remove them quickly.
What happens when you remove the exhaust manifold?
When you remove exhaust manifold, some exhaust bolts and nuts do fall off and could cause damage to your engine. Putting a thick towel or similar object under the manifold will ensure those bolts don’t hit your engine and cause more damage. It is also a good safety measure if they accidentally fall into the engine bay.
What tool to use to remove rusted bolts?
You can use a flat-head screwdriver or an air chisel with a drill. To do this, you will need the necessary tools to remove any rusted bolts without heat!
Why does exhaust gas shoot out?
Also, hot exhaust gases can shoot out due to obstructions of rusted and you can observe glowing red exhaust manifold .
How to break rust off exhaust manifold studs?
Sometimes all your exhaust manifold studs need are a little bit of coaxing. A couple of firm taps with a hammer may be all it takes . The jolt from the hammer should be enough to break the seal that rust has created between the bolts and the engine block. Be careful not to hit the exhaust manifold studs too hard, as you don’t want to bend or break them.
How to loosen bolts that have been seized by corrosion?
An industrial strength penetrating lubricant spray will work wonders at loosening bolts that have been seized by rust and corrosion. Use a directional nozzle or straw to ensure the lubricant gets in between the exhaust manifold stud and the engine block, careful not to get any on the bolt head. Let the penetrating lubricant sit over night for the best results.
How does stud casing work?
The stud casing will expand with the heat, giving a little wiggle room for the bolt. You will have to work quickly before the heat transfers from the engine block to the bolt. This process also takes a bit longer, as you will need to let the engine block cool before repeating the process for the next bolt.
How to get rid of rusted exhaust bolts?
Some of the techniques to divest yourself of the rusted exhaust bolts are: 1. Apply Suitable Force. Applying appropriate force to loosen up the intractable exhaust bolts is the first possible way that every mechanic considers. Hitting with suitable force on the head of the bolt might help in some ways.
Why do exhaust bolts get stuck?
This usually happens in the automobiles because of the corrosion and aging of the nuts and bolts. The rusted exhaust bolt never moves or bidges easily and one might have to apply certain methods to do so. However, breaking or drilling the bolt is the only option ...
Can you hammer out rusted bolts?
This is because one has to get rid of this without doing any damage to the car parts. You can’t just start hammering or drilling holes around the car body to pull out the rusted bolts. However, working with a strategy may assist in completing the project in no time.
How to remove rust from exhaust manifold?
Merv Rego says there are two ways to remove rusty studs from exhaust manifolds. By heating the studs and the area around them, you can often break the studs loose with Vise-Grip pliers or a pipe wrench. This worked perfectly on one of our studs. The other one snapped off, forcing Merv to switch to Plan B-drilling out the broken-off stud. This requires some careful surgery to prevent damaging the interior threads, but by starting with a small drill bit and working up in size, you can remove most of the stud material before cleaning out the threads with a tap.
Who restored the exhaust manifolds on a Ford 289?
Merv Rego and Matt Simmons at Classic Creations of Central Florida tackled the restoration of our small-block Ford exhaust manifolds, which were already off the 289 during an engine rebuild. Even with extra time needed to remove a pair of stripped and corroded studs, the entire process took less than three hours.
Can you remove studs with a drill bit?
This requires some careful surgery to prevent damaging the interior threads, but by starting with a small drill bit and working up in size, you can remove most of the stud material before cleaning out the threads with a tap . See all 8 photos.
Is it easy to restore exhaust manifolds?
The good news is that exhaust manifold restoration is quick and easy-once you get them off the engine, of course.
How to break rust off a bolt?
Without going overboard, give the part holding the broken bolt a few sharp raps with a hammer. You don't want to deform the metal; just vibrate it enough to break the rust loose. You can use two hammers on parts like exhaust pipe flanges where you can reach two sides of the part at the same time. Hold one hammer firmly against the part and sharply strike the other side of the part with the other hammer. This helps enhance the force applied with the hammer without deforming the metal.
How to remove a stud that has been broken?
You need to choose the drill bit, which removes the stud or bolt but leaves its threads. These are then removed by running a tap in and out of the hole several times, keeping the drill and tap well lubricated the whole time. If the drill size you choose is even a little too big you'll eat the threads in the head, block, etc., and have to go one size larger in diameter.
How to extract a broken stud?
Extraction is a three-step process. Drill into the broken stud to the specified depth using the drill bit that corresponds to the extractor size you'll be using. When drilling, let the drill bit do the work and don't force the bit. Also, use the appropriate speed on your drill for the bit selected.
How to get studs out of a hole?
Insert the extractor into the hole you just drilled by turning it counterclockwise. Continue turning the extractor counterclockwise with a wrench or ratchet and socket until the stud is removed.
How does a bolt remover work?
Both work on the principle of using the gripping power created by counterclockwise torque on the tool to grip the broken part with enough force around as much of its diameter as possible to extract it. There must be enough of the broken stud/bolt protruding for the tool to grip it.
What do you need to extract rust?
What you need for this project also depends on several factors. Sometimes you'll get lucky and some liberally applied rust penetrant, along with time for it to work, a heat source like a butane torch, and a pair locking pliers will get you by. There may be times you'll need more. Each section will provide a list of tools required to complete the extraction. Advance Auto Parts also has a kit with both types of extractors that will be used below.
How to repair heli coil?
Heli-Coil Metric Fine Thread Repair Kit, Thread Size M12X1.5, Length 18.0 mm | Advance Auto Parts 1. Refer to the instruction with the kit and drill the broken stud out with the specified bit to the specified depth. 2. Thread this hole to the proper depth using the specified tap .3. Twist the Heli-Coil insert onto the tool until the tab at the bottom licks into the tool.4. Thread the insert into the bottom of the hole, giving it one final twist to break the tab at the bottom. Remove that tab. The tab is notched at the base to allow it to break easily, but sometimes you may need to convince it with a small punch or screwdriver after removing the insertion tool. The insert must be inserted until about half a thread below the surface of the head and be at least half the depth of the hole.
How to remove rusted bolts?
If you haven’t had any luck with penetrating oil, try using a heat gun or hair dryer to remove rusted bolts. Point the heat on each bolt and wait for about five minutes. If they still don’t budge, then use a metal pry bar.
Why are exhaust bolts rusting?
Your exhaust bolts are at risk of getting rusted if they’re exposed to moist, humid conditions. If you live near the ocean, have your exhaust manifold checked for rust frequently. Saltwater is a big culprit when it comes to causing exhaust fasteners to rust and break off. Even r usted exhaust bolts made out of stainless steel are still at risk.
What is an exhaust manifold bolt?
In your vehicle exhaust system, exhaust bolts hold various exhaust pipes to a car exhaust manifold. These exhaust manifolds are responsible for routing the exhaust from cylinders in the car engine. Also, to the rear of the vehicle or out through an exhaust pipe. The exhaust manifold is bolted onto a cylinder head and sends hot gas from engine cylinders into a collector, which routes the exhaust to the rear of the vehicle.
What happens if you don’t remove rusted or broken screws & bolts?
If you remove all the bolts and leave some rusted ones behind, your car could catch on fire. When exhaust manifold bolts rust and corrode, they weaken and shrink. If they shrink enough, you may also face exhaust leak. The manifold can separate from your engine head. If you remove all of your rusted bolts and a few fall into the engine bay, remove them quickly.
What happens when you remove the exhaust manifold?
When you remove exhaust manifold, some exhaust bolts and nuts do fall off and could cause damage to your engine. Putting a thick towel or similar object under the manifold will ensure those bolts don’t hit your engine and cause more damage. It is also a good safety measure if they accidentally fall into the engine bay.
What tool to use to remove rusted bolts?
You can use a flat-head screwdriver or an air chisel with a drill. To do this, you will need the necessary tools to remove any rusted bolts without heat!
Why does exhaust gas shoot out?
Also, hot exhaust gases can shoot out due to obstructions of rusted and you can observe glowing red exhaust manifold .