Wish me luck...the "dreaded heat exchanger removal" tomorrow!

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

I got my new Fabspeed muffler setup today, and my car got smogged yesterday. So, I'm ready to start on the B&B install tomorrow. I'm stocked up on O2 and Mapp gas, and I think I'll get a tungsten cutter for the Dremel for good measure...BTW, has anyone tried Island911's method of cutting the nuts off?

I'm assuming if I need to resort to cutting, you put the bit parallel to the stud, and start cutting the nut from the outside stopping before you get to the stud?

I'm going to try heat first, but it's going to be tough working the torch while keeping my fingers crossed!

john70t · 09-03-2004, 04:50 PM

Never done it but it looks like a difficult job. Heat the nut up quickly and evenly and spray PB Blaster to cool it down. Hold breath, repeat.

Joeaksa · 09-03-2004, 04:56 PM

Ed,

Might try some penetrating oil on the nuts the day before. Like John said, if they get difficult heat is the best way.

JoeA

vash · vash's Garage

ed, good luck.

i used mapp gas. ALOT easier with two people. my friend worked the torch and i held the socket a few inches away. when he got it glowing red, i put the socket on it and popped it off. i didnt break a single one. one or two, held tight and all we did was lay into it with the torch again. we did have the dremel, to island method the stubborn ones, but it wasnt needed. kick some a$$ tomorrow.

the barrel nuts were cake.

cliff

vash · vash's Garage

how much torque do you suppose will shear those suckers? maybe a torque wrench set on some conservative critical setting can prevent disaster?

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

I didn't have to use heat or any other method other than soaking them in Prolong overnight to get mine off. Now getting them back on is another story unfortunately

I say give it a go without any drastic measures and see if you can get 'em off, if not then start with the torch.

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

In looking at the nuts, I don't see how PB will put a dent in them. My thought is the heat is fairly simple, and will provide some insurance against torqueing a stud inadvertantly. When I took my cat off, it worked real well.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Two people. One operates the torch: red hot barrel nuts. The other is ready with the proper long Allen socket. Worked fine. Soak them the night before.