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I have a class C which is a Ford with a 460.cu. The rear left side exhaust manifold bolt has broke due to the header warping and shearing the bolt off.
I understand that this is a common problem with these engines. They claim quality headers will fix it.
PROBLEM: Taking them off. Very tight compartment with the possiblity of breaking more studs when removing.
Does any one have experience regarding the best way to remove these manifolds with out breaking studs?
All claim that if certain studs break, the heads will have to come off so as to remove the broken studs in the heads.... Scary Stuff.
All and any imput will be of great help to me. Thanks.
You need one of those small, compact
compressed air drills. You could also cut a drill bit in half. You should be able to drill out the stud with this.
One of the exhuast bolts broke on my Dodge 440 when taking off the headers to put on new gaskets. I have some room so I was able to drill it out without removing the head. I have seen drills with flexible shafts, this would be a good tool to have, maybe you can rent one.
Spray plenty of lubricant on bolts, even after loosening studs continue to lube. Try tapping on stud with hammer.
A previous owner put headers on my 440.
I don't like headers, they always blow gaskets. I used copper gaskets. They cost about $40, but hold up better than the cheap ones. I think all headers warp, the metal is too thin.
I mean a short drill bit. If you have little clearance you need a short drill bit. You know, most are about 5" -6".
All you need is maybe a 3" bit. Just cut or break one in half. I have done this before myself.
Yes, there are better lubricants. Go to a big hardware store and look. Or call machine shops, they should know.
My experience with drilling out heads
is it sucks !! Even after you drill a hole you still have to rethread. Unless you get lucky and drill exactly in the middle of the bolt and are able to back out what is left of the bolt.
They have what are called, "easy outs,"
You drill a hole then screw in the easy out, it has reverse threads so it grabs the bolt and supposedly the bolt backs out. But header bolts are tough.
I would try and get all bolts out, get new bolts, install copper gaskets, torque the bolts down tight and never plan on changing gaskets again. My copper gaskets are 4 years old and I have had no problems. When I used the cheap ones I had to replace them twice a year. I know a guy that uses 2 sets of the cheap ones, he doubles them up. He still has to replace them. Try and find metal ones.
I have a 1988 allegro class a motorhome and have exhaust manifold leaks. the ford 460 is a real pain.i broke most of the bolts to remove the manifolds and had no luck drilling them out. i am in the process of replacing the heads and going with headers instead of manifolds.good luck with this problem.the only company i have found for headers is headman headers part#89710 at a cost of 343.99
I have put new heads on f-350 460. we are having problems with exhaust leak. i understand this is a common problem with the big block. does anyone know how to fix this for good??
First, do the drilling with a short left handed drill bit. It will naturally put reversing torque on the stud as it drills out the "Ease-out" hole. The stud may back out during or at the end of the drilling operation. Then use the Ease-out if necessary. Replace the studs with high quality 400M stainless steel allen head bolts and heavy stainless washers, they don't break!
I have 1972 buick skylark 350 heads 401 block original everything 5 years ago i was racing down the highway at 110 botomed out because there was a big dip i came home noticed the head of the bolt broke off on the driver side front so i said ah the heck with its not leaking so now its leaking and i bought headers to put on it so i pull off the exhaust i was hoping there was some stud there nope it broke off before flush a liitle i drilled it through and oiled the other side yoused an ease out and fuk it broke now its almost imposible to get it out what do i do..............
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