Removing exhaust manifolds

Allldi · Allldi's Garage

Has anyone's exhaust manifolds given them as much of a problem as mine have given me? I disconnected them from the exhaust, and I got all of the stud nuts off, and I even lowered the exhaust by removing the hanger by the catalytic converter. I got the middle manifold off but the outside one will not slide off. I've wiggled it and pulled on it. I can get the rear side almost all the way off but the front side seems to be hanging up on the studs or something. Anyone got any bright ideas? I'm pulling the head anyway so if I cannot get it off I guess I'll try to pull the head off with it and then try to get it off after that.

951carter · 08-11-2002, 06:35 PM

pull it off with the head.......much easier.
otherwise you have to remove the studs, sometimes you can get away with just pulling the #1 stud.

AFJuvat · 08-11-2002, 06:37 PM

It is probably corroded to the head - like carter said, pull it off with the head. You may have a little more success getting it off with the head out.

If you are feeling particularly brave, you can replace your studs while you have it out.

AFJuvat

Allldi · Allldi's Garage

Luckily it's not actually corroded to the head. I can get it to slide off all the way in the rear but only about half way in the front. O.k., simple question. How do I remove the studs if I have to? AF, why do you say "brave"? Is it difficult to replace the studs?

AFJuvat · 08-12-2002, 07:56 PM

They don't come out particularly easy. Had the best luck soaking them with PB blaster or the like and using a stud extractor with a long breaker bar. Murphys law and all else being equal, I always manage to break one.

AFJuvat

951carter · 08-12-2002, 08:21 PM

I always use the double nut method. Put 2 nuts on the stud and tighten them against one another. Then use a wrench on the innermost nut to remove them. I have always had luck with this method.....never a break. The closer you put the nuts to the head the better because there will be less twist on the stud, which can cause it to break.

Allldi · Allldi's Garage

That's a badass idea! Thanks guys. Is there any limit to your guys' knowledge?

jseel · 08-12-2002, 08:42 PM

look at the stud to see which way it came out, both ends are different lenths. i bought new studs and locking nuts at the local porsche dealer, i used vw lock nuts because they are 1/4 of the price. bring an old one to make sure you get the right one.

Lawrence Coppari · 08-13-2002, 07:48 AM

Here is my 0.02 worth. Triple nut the stud, then use two wrenches so you don't get the bending moment. Red Loctite on the nuts helps.

Lawrence Coppari · 08-13-2002, 07:51 AM

Or double nut with one wrench and vice grips on shank. Wrench and vice grip (as with double wrench method) should form straight line to cancel bending moment. This is why tap drivers have T handles.