Exhaust mani questions

[sailinMSP]

I have an exhaust leak some where in my mani. i took the heat shield off to look for cracks and didn't find any! but i did notice that the bottom left bolt hole of the mani seems to be missing the nut!
I was wondering if this hole is suppose to be a bolt? or a stud and nut?

[808MP5]

idk but it's definently broken or missing

[mp3-79bronco]

looks like the heads snapped off

[sailinMSP]

I does look like its broken, Do you guys know where i can purchase new hardware for the mani?

[sailinMSP]

bump

[BOOSTR]

you'll need to drill that one out and can get new hardware from any parts store in the nuts & bolt section. Just take out one of the good ones to match it up. Its going to be a metric one. they are real easy to snap so don't overtighten them. its a good idea to check them all periodically as they loosen easily.

[808MP5]

Also when u go to the hardware store. Be sure to get a grade8 bolt

[sailinMSP]

thanks for tho info!

[sailinMSP]

To take the exhaust mani off to change the gasket and to take out the broken bolt. is it possible to leave the mani bolted to the turbo?

[Metallic36]

Yeah, that would probably be the easiest way to do it. Just make sure you take out your radiator so you have more room and so you don't whack the turbo against the radiator when taking it all out.


To take the exhaust mani off to change the gasket and to take out the broken bolt. is it possible to leave the mani bolted to the turbo?

[sailinMSP]

Im curious of if i can just unbolt the mani from the head and pull it back? will that work or do i have to unbolt the mani from the turbo?

[sailinMSP]

bump

[ItsSlow]

You leave it bolted to the turbo..

[ForceFed]

But you will have to remove the Water and oil lines if your going to remove the assembly from the car.

[sailinMSP]

yeah. just unbolt the manifold from the head and pull it away from the head!
i want to make the job as quick as possible. i don't feel like unbolting the manifold from the turbo and taking it completely out.

[ImmortalSoul219]

Yeah if all your doing is replacing the gasket you dont need to take everything out. Just be careful of the rad. Best thing though is to have a nice clean surface for that new gasket to seal though.

[mazdaRX]

WOW. I had the same bolt missing on mine. It just worked its way out. never broke off. I replaced it with a 8.8 from the local shop.

[nullbyte]

I've heard that this is a common problem with the car. It's been reported more than once or twice.

[sailinMSP]

well today i got curious if i could just unbolt the mani and slide it away from the head and like i thought its not possible.
so i am wondering what the easiest possible way is to get the manifold away from the head just a few inches so i can remove broken bolt and replace the gasket.

also does anyone know of a how-to on removing the exhaust manifold?

[mazdaRX]

I honestly don't know of an 'easy' way. I would do it the long and safe way personally. But make sure you have a day off (or two if your like me) and take your time. I would take the whole thing off personally and the radiator to prevent damage to it and basically do what you would do to change the manifold minus actually changing it. It will give you more room to get that broken bolt out (though it may have just fell out like mine ) also you want to clean the head surface real well and maybe use a mild sand paper or grinder and light scuff pad on the head surface to prevent a future leak with the new gasket.
Just my .02 , I actually paid to have mine installed at local tuner shop. Too cold outside and too much hassle for me since i live in a apt. aka no room. Do what your time and pocket book allows for.

[steve9000]

I know this is an older thread, but I was lurking for an answer to an exhaust manifold leak. Well...this thread solved it for me, so I registered to say "thanks."
After fearing a cracked EM or gasket, it turned out to be 2 loose bolts. The upper left EM bolt was BARELY finger tight and the lower left bolt was about 1 turn loose. I learned form this forum how to remove the EM heat shield and then tightened everything up and works great now.
I bought my MSP new in '04 with 11 miles and it now has 72K. I have only had it in the shop to replace the subwoofer. :-)

Thank you all.

[CHIQLES]

dont forget to cut the heat sheild a slot so you can just slide it off without haveing to take off the o2 sensor everytime

[sailinMSP]

There is a way to take the heat shield off without cutting the shield or removing the o2 sensor, it just takes persistence and some man handling!