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Exhaust manifold bolts, whats the odds ?

What I have done if I suspect that I may break a bolt is: I slightly tighten first, then loosen slightly and continue to slightly tightening while mostly loosening. My theory is that this will reduce the torque (twist) and reduce the risk of snapping the bolt. Hasn't failed me yet.
 
I thought about going out and starting to remove the bolts, one problem, the sun is in a position to where it is shining through the windows, can not see crap down in the holes with that situation.
I do have another cutting torch/head. The cutting tip runs straight out the end, instead of at a 90* like a normal torch. I did poke that into the hole from on top side, I do think it would work except for one slight problem, aside of being so far down to the top of the flange, it would be a real bear to light the torch then lower it into the hole without burning a bunch of wiring and components. Only other solution would be to lower the torch and then have someone light it from beneath then lift it into position. I know no one that could come and help with such a situation. Everyone I know that could help is plumb messed up with disabilities and I would not call on them to do such a task. Might could get someone hurt, so, off with the maneeefold to do it safely where it can be got to.
 
If you can still start the engine, you could get it up to temperature to effectively expand the metal then use a can of air in an upside down position to spray on the head of the bolt to shrink that metal while the cast iron is still warm and expanded. I'm not sure how effective it would be on the threads but, it's something.
 
Could you use a candle or something under your truck as an ignition source for your torch and bring the torch down to it from above like you were describing? The candle would be pretty worthless afterwards.


The exhaust manifold bolts are fairly stout. I have not personally broken one and mine are far from shiny.
 
When I removed my crossover this xmas, I somehow managed to get all the 6 bolts out without damaging them.

I prepped it for two days by first burning it with a simple gas torch, cooling it with a cool-down anti rust penetrating oil, and when its was cool, I added a 50/50mix of acetone and atf. I blame this miracle mix for the fact that I got them out so easy. You can literally see the oil soak into the metal when you add it to a surface.

2nd day I was "just applying some more penetrant and still being patient" I just had two try my breaker bar on one of the bolts to feel. And there it came loose!
 
Thank You everyone. I will try that candle trick with the inline torch.
I did mess with the manifold to head bolts. Got the front one out, second one back is behind the steering shaft and the shaft will need to be removed as that bolt is very very tight. Not enough room to get the socket and ratchet or flex handle onto it. I tried an end wrench but the bolt is just too tight and there is not enough room to double it up with another box end wrench.
I’m having a heck of a time getting into position to work on it, bending over the fender, seems to not be too kind to the heart thing. There is one guy I thought of that is a welder by trade. I might be able to get him to come over and attempt burning the broke bolt out. We shall see, I’m still here to fight another day. 👍😹😹😹
 
Paul is going to come over and blow out that bolt. I thought about going in from the bottom side with a smaller dril bit and seeing if I could split the remaining bolt. I`ll not mess it up any worser until after He looks over the situation. LOL
 
The bolt is removed and the threads is restored. Time to move on now, nothing to see here. LOLOLOL
I traded Him some welding gear I had setting around for about 15 years and had never used. Items I picked up at yard sales and thought it`d come in handy some day.
he was well pleased with the deal. LOL
Now, time to move on to getting the old exhaust system out and the new one set in the vacancy. LOL
 
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