Apparently I have a cracked exhaust manifold....so, I'm told by my local mechanic. I've got the annoying tap-tap-tap....replaced the gaskets a year or so ago.

Anyhow, I have a set of repro W/Z manifolds....

So, my question is this......what is the difficulty / PITA level of swapping the manifolds? The CSM (6B-9) is pretty helpful. Unbolt. Remove. Reverse to install. Surely it isn't that uncomplicated.

So, what I'm asking is, as a neophyte.....and I totally get the PITA of broken bolts, however, these bolts are newly installed reasonably recently when the heads were rebuilt during when a head gasket gave up the ghost (so, they haven't had a half century to rust in place).....is this a doable weekend project for the All Thumbs Automotive crowd or let someone who knows what they are doing do it to save the expense of having to un-dick it AND have it towed in.

Advice / suggestions cheerfully accepted..

Cheers,

Troy

 

Definitely a DIY project. Your biggest obstacle would have been potential frozen bolts, but since they are fairly new, you shouldn't have any issues.

 

^^x2 What Randy suggested. It will be VERY uncomfortable without jack stands however. Be sure you have it securely on jack stands so you're not cussing the entire weekend. Once complete, I see another Blue Ridge Mountain fall colors ride in your future.

 

Alright, alright, alright!

So, in this case, the CSM really didn't leave out important details.....hmmmm

Matter of fact....there is an impending road trip. Biggest one yet. Charleston to Maine to visit the family. On return...Maine to Gettysburg PA. Then the Skyline Drive. Then the BRP for 3 days. All in, a two week trip.

Trying to button up last minute projects. The EFI system is working fantastic......I purchased the manifolds awhile ago and I haven't been super motivated to tackle that project but that tap-tap-tap is driving me NUTS. EN VEE TEE ESS. Nuts. (that's the Roman spelling....if you know History of the World Part I, it's funny)

Cheers,

Troy

 

Nice!

 

The more you soak the bolts the happier you'll be! Soak them multiple times on a warm engine then let it cool to wick the penetrant. KROIL and PB blaster both work well.

Good luck!!!

 

No flaming

 

Well, it's a weekend project....and it's only Wednesday.

Cheers,

Troy

 

Have 9/16" and 14mm SIX point sockets and SIX point wrenches ready. The 14mm works on 9/16" hex heads that are slightly reduced in size from corrosion. The six points reduce the chance of rounding the hex.

Good luck!!!

 

Awesome, thanks man!!

Cheers,

Troy

 

I update the thread. Please play nicely.

Troy, I think you should be able to easily swap the exhaust manifolds. Just make sure you pre-soak the bolts like others said. Plus, get a 6 pack and invite a friend over for advice/moral support.

 

Ok, Dad....sorry about that.

'Preciate it!

A six pack? That's it? I don't know how you folks in OK roll but here in SC? We START with a case and go from there. I mean, anything worth doing is worth doing right. N'est pas?

Cheers,

Troy

 

One thing that bears mentioning - if you have an AC car and this is the passenger side, its a bit more of a PITA just with the stuff in the way. Scope it out before you begin

 

I was waiting for somebody to bring up A/C. You don't mention what year the car is or what accessories it has. I'm familiar with '69's and, in that case, you will have to drop the starter to get the driver's side out/in. I've managed to get one out without removing the starter but I ended up having to drop it to get the new one back in.
The passenger's side is what will likely slow you down. You may have to remove the oil filter and oil filter mount (bolts to the block). Assuming the car has A/C, you won't have to remove any of the components but it will make it a whole lot harder as your available real estate is substantially reduced - especially for torqueing the bolts on install. Don't be afraid to remove the front wheels and go in through the upper A-arm clearance hole.
It's also a good idea to get the U-shaped locks that were originally installed under the bolts to mechanically keep them from loosening. Widely available anywhere you get Olds parts.

 

Awesome.....it's a 71 and does have A/C. Sorry about that....should have prefaced with that.

Cheers,

Troy

 

start w disconnecting the battery,
leave 2x as much time as you think you will need
dont be afraid to get a good look at it a couple times before you start the work.

 

I disconnect the battery for everything just because to eliminate the one chance in a million thing.....

and I apologize if this old hat / much ado about nothing.....

The issues I see are clearing the drive shaft on the left side....and all the a/c stuff on the right. But, it looks like they should wiggle in and out....

Remflex gaskets arrived today so game on!

Cheers,

Troy