Manifold Suds

[g4zur]

Hi All
I come yet again to the forum for help please.
Some time ago I bought a three piece stainless exhaust, At the time I couldn't release the three nuts where the downpipe fastened to the manifold, I have now got to change the gasket there as it is blowing, Could I please have advise on how to get those three nuts off. I have new downpipe gasket nuts and washers to complete the job.
I have not damaged the nuts at all.
Regards
Gareth.

G.P.Albrighton

[HDRider]

Soak the heck out of them for a day or two with P B Blaster or similar product and try to remove. If they fell like they will break first heat with a torch and try again.

The nuts can be accessed fairly easily from below with a deep socket and a wobble extension.

Edward Hamer
Petaluma CA

[FI Spyder]

Good use for an electric or air gun. The banging loosens the nuts quite well.


- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[Hasbeen]

Hi Gareth, I have had the other trouble with those nuts.

Over time the heat & corrosion wastes the metal of the studs, until the thread is too worn & the nuts rattle loose, or won't tighten. I have had to replace those studs on every 7 I've had with the cast manifold to be happy with them.

It is therefor possible a PO has used a smaller nut on tired studs as a "fix" for this problem, & they are seized, or has done something even worse as a quick fix.

I don't know if you could get at them with an impact wrench, but worth a try. A long leaver on a socket from underneath is probably best.

Don't worry about sheering the studs. There is something funny going on there, as I said those nuts usually fall off, rather than seize, so you probably should replace the studs & nuts, as part of the job.

Hasbeen

[g4zur]

Thanks for replies, I take it if I sheer off the stud I will have to drill the old ones out, sounds tricky, Can't remember if you can get a drill in there, but to be fair I havn't looked at the problem from below, If the studs sheer off flush with the manifold even a good quality stud extractor will be of no use, Must be a drill, Has anyone had a problem like this?
Regards.
Gareth

G.P.Albrighton

[Hasbeen]

If you shear the a stud you will have to take the manifold off to remove the old one, & replace all three while it is off.

The only problem there would be if you damaged the threads in the head, removing the manifold. Good luck.

I think your 7 is telling you it wants a nice new tubular extractor exhaust system. [}:)]

Hasbeen

[g4zur]

It all sounds a bit daunting to me, I have ordered a small butane gas torch that according to specs. reaches 1300 deg C. I think that will heat the nut. Get them glowing red then try and release with fingers crossed. worried if I have to take off exhaust manifold. those bolts into the head look very rusty. just when I have got the engine running well. Ho Hum.
Regards
Gareth.

G.P.Albrighton

[g4zur]

Just another thought. Using a dremmel with small cutting disc. cut through one side of the nut then socket on and turn I would think would split the nut. Just thoughts at this stage. Opinions would be gratefully received. (dremmel is a small hand drill)
Regards.
Gareth

G.P.Albrighton

[FI Spyder]

You can also buy a nut craker. I don't know if you have the room though.



I've seen electric guns as cheap as $24 (not Makita).




Canadian Tire has one for sale on now for $40.
You should be able to find something similar. Most useful tool.\


- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[g4zur]

Many thanks to all for helping.
UPDATE
I have ordered a set of nut breakers going try that first, The heat torch has arrived seems to be a good piece of kit. Hasbeen I have ordered a new set of studs also.
Will update after first attempt.
Many thanks as always.
Regards.
Gareth

G.P.Albrighton