I just got my '74 Limited running smooth and now I need to decide whether or not to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets or live with that annoying sputter. I will be taking the A/C stuff out so that will give me some room,but do I need to lift the motor up for this or can it be done as it sits? I've pulled the manifolds on 455 motors when they are out of the car,but never with one in a car. Running the motor should help with heating the bolts up,but what I need to decide is whether or not it is worth tackling. I received the car in a package deal with a '67 GS 4-Speed hardtop that has no motor.The Limited has nice interior w/all power options. Body is not too bad except the vinyl top wasted away and rotted a couple holes in the pillar area.I'll probably part it after winter if anyone wants anything minus motor/trans. Thanks in advance for any tips or warnings or opinions etc.
Have you had the bolts off before? If you're not ready to pul a head off to extract a broken bolt, then I'd leave it alone.
How much room is there to raise a 455 if you just pulled the motor mount bolts? On my 350, I can raise the engine/trans quite a bit - nearly had to try that route lately when I replaced my manifold gaskets, but I got lucky: The problem bolt was a short one, I was able to grind off the head and pull the manifold over it. If a long one went, you could be in for a real PITA. But then, I hate annoying noises/sputters! :rant:
exhaust I never had the bolts off and it looks like no one else has either. I've broken a couple off on engines that were out of the car and that is why I'm trying to decide if I should bother with it. Please hold off on the Mopar jokes,but both of my '66 Polara Wagons with 383 engines had the rear bolts on the manifolds work loose. I had to tighten about half the bolts on each manifold on each car. Is there a reason for this (like a design difference) besides the fact that they are Mopars? Thanks for the replies.
If you soak them over a period of days with pentrating oil like Mouse Milk it will take a lot of the terror out of the job. Try just a touch of clock wise torque first and then back c clockwise. Keep soaking them with a brush first over time.
Had the same thing happen on my Buick 350 after 15 years and 150,000 miles, half the bolts on both sides worked loose and the gaskets blew. Or maybe the gaskets blew first, I wouldn't think so, but... o No: Just one of those fun things that happens, I believe. :rant:
