Exhaust Post your questions and suggestions about stock or aftermarket exhaust setups. Third Gen exhaust sound files and videos!

broken manifold bolt question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 7, 2014 | 10:16 AM
  #1  
Firechicken86's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
Car: 1989 Trans am GTA
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: t56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.45
broken manifold bolt question

So I recently purchased dyno don headers and removed my manifolds and of course I ended up snapping a bolt that it's recessed slightly into the block. The broken bolt is the on the passenger side and the furthest to the front/radiator. It's proving to be a huge pain in the *** to extract this thing so I'm just wondering if I install the header without this one bolt will it give me any leaks or should I be okay?
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2014 | 05:37 PM
  #2  
willexoIX's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
Car: 89 Camaro RS running MS2X
Engine: .48/.60AR T3/T4 2.8L V6
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 2500 stall
Axle/Gears: Next to break...
Originally Posted by Firechicken86
So I recently purchased dyno don headers and removed my manifolds and of course I ended up snapping a bolt that it's recessed slightly into the block. The broken bolt is the on the passenger side and the furthest to the front/radiator. It's proving to be a huge pain in the *** to extract this thing so I'm just wondering if I install the header without this one bolt will it give me any leaks or should I be okay?
Youll want to get that bolt out. Do you have a welder or have a friend with one? If so, and if it isn't recessed too far into the head, you can weld a nut to the broken off bolt through the hole in the nut. Just dont weld on it for long, just tac welds. The heat from the welding will help loosen the rust, and the nut will now be the new head of the bolt. Let it cool then take it out.

I would only recommend this if you have experience with a welder or a friend that does.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2014 | 06:02 PM
  #3  
Joe Tag's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 4
Re: broken manifold bolt question

Another exhaust manifold you may get away with it, but headers are too prone to leak as it is. Someone needs to make a jig that will bolt onto the head so you can drill them out straight while they're on the engine. With small to progressively larger collars to step up the bit size. Then retap or helicoil it. Right up front like this one would be a prime candidate.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 08:17 PM
  #4  
greenyone's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 550
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh
Car: 91 G92 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 342
Re: broken manifold bolt question

I broke two on mine. I had the heads off so it was a lot easier getting them out on a bench. EZ out worked on one, the other needed the nut weld method. I can't imagine trying to do this with the heads still on/in the car.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2014 | 01:20 AM
  #5  
willexoIX's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
Car: 89 Camaro RS running MS2X
Engine: .48/.60AR T3/T4 2.8L V6
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 2500 stall
Axle/Gears: Next to break...
Originally Posted by greenyone
I broke two on mine. I had the heads off so it was a lot easier getting them out on a bench. EZ out worked on one, the other needed the nut weld method. I can't imagine trying to do this with the heads still on/in the car.
Always easier to do it with the head out, lol. It depends which location in the car; by the firewall is the pita, but the ones on the front are generally the easiest to get to.

I got lucky with mine, the nut/bolt snapped leaving enough to grab with vice grips, plus beforehand I did 20+ heat cycles with pb blaster in the 2 weeks prior to removing my manifolds. Super lucky lol.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
Jan 19, 2024 04:55 PM
84z96L31vortec
Tech / General Engine
7
Aug 20, 2017 12:16 AM
transaero
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
2
Aug 31, 2015 01:14 AM
theurge
TPI
7
Aug 21, 2015 12:46 PM
redmaroz
LTX and LSX
7
Aug 16, 2015 11:40 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:05 AM.