The studs on my exhaust manifold were frozen (no surprise) and no amount of work would get them out, so I'm thinking about drilling a larger diameter hole and just through bolting the exhaust pipe flange. Has anyone tried that, or have any other suggestions? Thanks
A couple of things here. This may not work just because of the type of bolts but; The Hot Wax treatment. This has worked many a time to free the "impossible" bolt. You need a hand held torch (propane will do) and some old candles. Heat one side of the stuck bolt and when hot enough, try to draw melted candle wax into the threads from the other side. (called capillary attraction in the soldering world) Worl around the piece and try loosening while still warm. Because these are exhaust manifold bolts this way may not work because of space. If that dosn't work try the Liquid Wrench penitrating oil. Warning ! Do this AFTER the torch and wax method, NOT before. An open flame and penitrating oil creates the garage equivilant of the "Eternal Flame" at Arlington. The other way is with Easy-outs. When you finally get them out use anti-sieze compound on the bolts before to avoid this in the future.
