Nic Sanford's 61 Project

[NicSanford]

Well fellas, I finally got time to get down to the shop, and the bolts from the exhaust manifolds to the pipes are completely seized. No matter how hard I try, they won't budge. Does anybody have any ideas on another way to get these manifolds out with the heads? I would grind them out, but I'm afraid of the bolts being seized into the manifolds. Dead in the water until I get these out...

[papawayne]

Let them soak in a half and half mixture of acetone and trans fluid for a few days. Or drill them out as a last resort. I take it that you've already tried fire and all of the other suggestions? Wayne

[NicSanford]

I haven't tried fire yet but that will probably be my next step. Only trouble is getting a flame down that far in the engine bay. I haven't yet lifted the car to try from underneath but imagine that will be the way to go. Thanks Wayne!

[stevedrums]

I hate rust.

[RMAENV]

anyone ever try the melting wax trick in these bolts?... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qqMXXGgFQg

[papawayne]

I'd forgotten that one. The trouble with that is that the wax, even when melted, is bigger than weasel pee. Nic's are probably so crudded up that hot wax wouldn't creep into the threads. I still vote fire and the various combinations of it already mentioned here. If he can cut those bolts, he's got a decent chance on the bench. Wayne

[papawayne]

Nic, just thought of something else. If all else fails, take a hack saw to your exhaust pipes, or a Sawzall or an acetylene torch. Cut them in a place where you can get the head and manifold out of the car, AND where you can weld them back together again. Or just sacrifice them to the exhaust gods and get yourself a new exhaust system. Wayne

[jtheye]

I haven't tried fire yet but that will probably be my next step. Only trouble is getting a flame down that far in the engine bay. I haven't yet lifted the car to try from underneath but imagine that will be the way to go. Thanks Wayne!

I don't have the time to work on my LC, but what I do know is I have for years been around mechanics who work on large Cat type diesel engines. When it comes to these types of bolts/studs, heat is the only way to go. I have seen mechanics take a small torch to the block and then hold a piece of ice on the stud and magically pull the stud out with ease. Hope you try this and are amazed also. My last suggestion if you have to drill out is to get the right sized left handed drill bit. This type of bit cuts in the reverse direction of normal bits and will many times surprisingly pull the stud out at the last minute "bite".

[NicSanford]

Well you wouldn't believe it but after a whole lot of cuss words, busted knuckles, and cranking on these exhaust manifold bolts, they finally broke loose. Been a long final term at Portland State University, but finally had some time to do some work on the 61. While I was under the car I discovered the block was painted blue and the motor mounts seemed pretty new. Glad to see it's been rebuilt at some point, and surprised by the condition of the piston heads. With the exception of some surface rust on the heads, I think I'll be in good shape when I get these top-end parts rebuilt! Been missing the forums, hope everybody is well!!

[papawayne]

Glad you're back at it, and glad things finally came undone! Keep us posted, I know I'm not getting any younger! Wayne

[NicSanford]

Finally ready to pull this motor and get these parts and engine bay cleaned up...

[LithiumCobalt]

Familiar memories here for me. Love seeing things cleaned up and going back together.

[papawayne]

Welcome back again! I was a bit worried that you'd dropped off the edge! Wayne

[NicSanford]

Familiar memories here for me. Love seeing things cleaned up and going back together.

Right? I can't wait to see this project through and hope I can complete with at least a month left in the summer. Really trying to hit up the drive through theater up here in Oregon with the family.

[NicSanford]

Welcome back again! I was a bit worried that you'd dropped off the edge! Wayne

Haha thank you Wayne! I'm always lingering about but haven't done any new work in a while. Coming up on a year now and I only just now got the other cylinder head off LOL. But you know how this goes. Good seeing ya on here!