i am in the middle of taking my stock manifolds and y pipe off but cant seem to get them loose.. any help would be great!!! also i was going to try a impact but i cant get one down int he space to do it.. i figure i can use one on the y pipe bolts if u guys have done this and i knwo lots have let me know how to do this quick thanks..

------------------
1988 firebird ws6 formula350tpi msd 6al box blaster 3 coil accel 8.8 wires flowmaster cat back pro shift light a pillar gauge pod and water temp and air/fuel ratio gauges b&m mega console shifter, march underdrive pullies, tpis airfoil
best 1/4 mile run of 14.44@ 96.53

 

Try applying some heat with a torch and then attempt to loosen them. Go slowly and gently(relatively speaking). The threads are probably rusted and the studs(holding the y-pipe to the manifolds) break fairly easily. Avoid the impact wrench, it is almost sure to snap the nut off.

On the manifolds it is hard to get heat to all the bolts. Try spraying "thread cutter" on the seized bolt(s). Apply the "thread cutter", wait 15 minutes, then apply gentle, steady pressure to the bolts. You may have to apply pressure for several seconds before the bolt begins to turn. The bolt may seize after it begins to turn. Stop applying pressure, apply more "thread cutter" again, and wait another 15 minutes(you can work on other nuts while the "cutter" works on the seized thread). Go slowly,... it is preferable to a repair with heli-coil.

After you get all the bolts and the manifolds removed, don't forget to cleans all the holes with a thread chaser. When installing the new exhaust, coat the threads of the bolts with an anti-seize compound(graphite or white lithium) to prevent future seizure(in case you have to remove the exhaust in the future).

Remember,... Go slow, Be patient and Good Luck!

------------------
He who hesitates,... is lost!

[This message has been edited by 88IROCs (edited October 17, 2000).]

 

my suggestion is that before you start run the engine for about five minutes. just long enough to make them hot to the touch or a little more than that. this way all the bolts will get heated. remember, metal expands when hot and contracts when cold. you're trying to turn bolts that are almost certain to be heat cycled together. the heat should make them easier to turn. NO IMPACT GUN. it you can, use a breaker bar to help.