Well, I heard a ticking noise and have isolated it to the drivers side exaust manifold, apprently coming from the front of the motor and not the rear.

What is a safe and tried and true way of slowly getting the bolts out without breaking them? Heat? No heat? Lots of PB blaster?

Im scared that I'll break a bolt(s) off in the head.

 

I'd say it's a valve or rocker more than the manifold. If it's a distinct "tick" that is.

When the car is dead cold, soak the bolts in PB blaster. Try to remove. If not, try heating the stud, then spray it with water. The thermal shock might break it loose. It's pretty common to break these though, so don't feel too bad.

 

If it leaks, it's because the bolts are loose.

Just tighten them up and see what happens.

 

Its deffinately the manifold, I can put my finger over it and feel the leak. Its really common to break these so I was wondering what tips anyone had that might keep me from doing so. I will obviously try to torque it down, but would like to know if I should heat it up first or what.

Maybe I could start the car and get it to operating temp then try... or would I be better off with a tourch?

 

What happens when you tighten the bolts?

Go find that out, and if it's not adequate, then come back looking for what to do next.