[Jeff Higgins]

After about 15 years and just over 100,000 miles of driving, I have just now had occasion to remove the heat exchangers from my motor. The oil crossover, or return line, got dented pretty good and needs replacement. I had been dreading this job ever since seeing the damage a little while ago, with images of seized nuts, broken studs, and all of the usual joy accompanying the removal of exhaust systems.

Well, much to my surprise - and immense satisfaction - every single exhaust flange nut on every single exhaust port broke free with just a little bump, then spun off freely with my fingers. The fasteners on both flanges to the muffler did the same. No corrosion, no sticking, no broken anything, no stripped anything.

I attribute this success to having replaced all of the studs in the heads with stainless steel, and using stainless steel nuts as well. The nuts and bolts connecting to the muffler are all stainless as well. As important was the use of a good copper based anti-seize compound at assembly.

I just thought I would share, and maybe help someone save some grief down the road. I couldn't be happier - what had the potential to have been a real nightmare turned out to be a piece of cake, all due to a little extra care and attention some fifteen years ago.