Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Trying to remove the exhaust manifolds on a stock 454. All the heads on the bolts are completely rusted off, GONE! You would think the manifolds would slide right off but the studs must be rusted to the manifolds. Any suggestions how to get them off. I'm not trying to save the manifolds.

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

heat

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

drill them out.

or if they are actually totally gone soak them woith wd40 and start smacking the manifolds with a mallet

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

If you do not need to save them, then hit em hard on the sides with a hammer. They are made of cast iron and will either give way or crack. Keep going till you are done.

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Tried

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Burn the heads of the bolts off with a torch. I've done it many times. Less than 30 minute you'll have both manifolds off.

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

YOUR NOT LISTENING! Just kidding, I appreciate all the input. The bolt heads are completely corroded off, there's nothing to burn. The manifolds must have rusted solid to the bolt stubs. Tried hammering off , just short of a sledge hammer, but I didn't want to damage the heads.

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Grind every bolt head to make sure there is nothing left holding the manifold on. Strike it with a mallet.

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Hose it down with WD-40 and hit that Mutha!!! Not being a smart Azz but you do have all of the bolts out right? Some of them may be rusted away so you can't even tell they're bolts!!

GET MEAN WITH IT!!!!!

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Short of busting the bolts off in the heads I don't think you'll hurt them. If you do....then you get a new set of heads and have some work done to them, new cam.....you now upgrades :D

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

I'm assuming the motor is out of the boat.....

Make sure there's absolutely nothing left of the head, then heat the bolt with a torch- for a long time until the bolt glows and starts to melt. At the same time, have someone in between the head and the bolt with a prybar. Start at the end. Heat the next one down, then the next. The pressure and the thermal cycling should make them pop loose.

If that doesn't work, torch 'em off or use a Milwaukee angle grinder with a 1/16" abrasive cutoff disk and cut them off.

Re: Help! Can't remove manifolds
 

Get another 454 :D