Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolt

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by Rich Skylark, Oct 11, 2020.

  1. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

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  2. Dr. Roger

    Dr. Roger Stock enthusiast

    I always replace the exhaust bolts with stainless so the next poor guy doesn't have to go through this (and put on lots of heat-resistant anti-seize)...but then again, maybe it builds character getting these out (like winning the Super bowl).
     
    Rich Skylark likes this.
  3. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    ditto on those remflex gaskets ..............

    After breaking off a lesser quality extractor I then used the snap on tapered bit extractor ........... which was all really time consuming given that the hardened metal from the lower quality one was still in place ........... I should have consulted here before doing all that but I, don't laugh, enjoy learning even when it is a PITA. Glad you got yours out.
     
  4. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    I used some of the Nickel-based "Never get it off your hands- Seize" on the new bolts. They say it stands up to the heat better than the other versions??? Drilling out the snapped exhaust bolts in the head was as miserable as getting the broken timing cover bolts out (they were a present from a prior owner). No wonder so many nice Buicks got sent to the scrap yard when they got a water pump leak or an exhaust leak in the 70s and 80s. You can bet a fair number of shade tree guys or the local mechanic at the gas station just gave up (or hacked it up) rather than spend money/time taking it to a pro.
     
  5. Rich Skylark

    Rich Skylark Gold Level Contributor

    A few yrs ago I had an exhaust leak on the other side of the engine . After sanding down the mating surface’s of the manifold & the head , going over the threads w/ a tap & die , a generous dose of anti seize , I did not use gaskets. Going on 5 yrs and annually checking the bolts for snugness- no leaks . Someone told me if both surfaces are true , exhaust gaskets aren’t needed on V8 Buick’s. . Are the Remflex gaskets needed in all cases or am just lucky . All input greatly appreciated
     
  6. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Normally most Buicks did not use any gaskets between the manifold & heads. Buick did this for heat disapation.
     
  7. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    Yep. Since I'm getting to old to chase wimminz, I am content to chasing threads... :D
     
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  8. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    I rebuilt my 350 and a machine shop did the usual magic on the heads. At first crank the exhaust manifold leaked badly so I took them off to be resurfaced at same machine shop and he claimed they were pretty true but sanded them anyway [and they did look truer afterward]. But because of the recommendations on this forum I put a set of remflex gaskets on as a precaution and it is not leaking. I don't know what's best but mine aren't leaking now.
     
  9. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Use the nickel anti seize - good for higher temps. Congrats on getting it out - whew!
     
  10. MrSony

    MrSony Well-Known Member

    I got quite a few out with heat pb blaster smacking it with a hammer and a pipe wrench.
     
  11. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    This is true. If things are flat and true you do not need gaskets. In my mind its easier to just use the Remflex gaskets and never have to think about it again.
     
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