Exhaust leak - rusted bolts

[Gawernator]

So, I know this has been covered before, but I was looking for tips on cutting/drilling the bolts from manifold to catalytic converter pipe. (6 total) I was able to get two out with an impact gun.. They were so rusted through... All the other bolts I can't get to budge, tried a torch and PB Blaster. Some of them are rounded off now. I also have a minor leak now lol from only having one bolt on the second flange.

I have a new rotary tool so any experience with removing these ****ers?

[Volhv]

Try shearing them off with brute force and ignorance. If they are the original bolts that should be 13mm, and are a bit stripped, pound on a 1/2 socket. (it's just a hair smaller than 13mm)

While that should work... if you still can't get them off, split the nuts with a cutting disk.

[Gawernator]

I will try that, thanks yes they are the 13 mm original and are badly rusted. Both my friend and I couldn't get them to budge... And the space doesn't really have any room for a long breaker/cheater bar.

[flash968]

it does if you have a long enough extension. i use a 12" inch and have plenty of room.

[Gawernator]

I'll see if I have one

[Garo156]

Mix up one part ATF and one part lacquer thinner and squirt that on the bolts. Beats most penetrating oils. Keep what you don't use in a tightly closed container. That stuff creeps good. Accidents has a nut splitter to break off badly rusted nuts. Wear face should when breaking nuts!

[Garo156]

Phone spelling for me. Should be Sears has a nut splitter.

[Volhv]

Originally Posted by Gawernator

I'll see if I have one

See if you have a universal joint also... If not, add it to your shopping list.

[Gawernator]

A what.. is that the spinny thing? I think I have one (my dad's technically) but do they make them impact strong?

[CHICKS]

Originally Posted by Gawernator

A what.. is that the spinny thing? I think I have one (my dad's technically) but do they make them impact strong?

They make one for impact, yes.

[Gawernator]

And by my Dad I don't mean that guy ^

[Chunkerz]

Soak them in PB blaster or your penetrating oil of choice. I soaked mine for a week, but they still wouldn't budge. To remove mine I had to pound on a 1/2 inch socket and push the wrench with my foot. Eventually the bolts just broke in half and I continued on my way. A universal joint is almost necessary to remove a few of them. I don't know how you'd fit a Dremel tool or whatever up there to cut them off if that fails. That space is pretty tight. You could always remove the headers and the 3 bolts at the end of the cat and just drop the whole exhaust. Getting to the nuts on the head seems easier than the 6 bolts on the end of the headers

[Gawernator]

Headers is making it more difficult, and the dremel tool is pretty thin.. I used PB blaster, will try beating them to **** more before cutting

[Rasta Monsta]

Take it easy on "beating" or you'll be WTB:Manifold.

[Gawernator]

I meant I'm not going to mess with the exhaust manifold, no sir