Removing exhaust studs

[Joe R.]

I'm getting ready to send my exhaust manifolds to Jerry MacNeish. He wants them without the studs installed. This is for a L-72 car with no power nuthin. Do I need to be careful not to damage the studs when I remove them? Will new ones from Paragon etc. pass judging? I can try to post pictures if that would be helpful. Any tips on removing the studs?

Thanks in advance,
Joe

[Jim T.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

Exhaust manifold studs can be very difficult. I removed my 68's original right manifold and took it to a machine shop. Several years ago, it cost me $30.00 for removing three studs. If you take it to a machine shop find one equipped with a EDM.

[James W.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

Joe,

I would buy some top quality rust penetrant like Kroil, etc. and soak them for a week or so. Install two nuts to each stud (double nut) so that you can back the stud out of the manifold using a end wrench. I would not plan on reusing the original studs since often times they are not in good condition from years of service. Use a torch with a rose bud tip and heat the area of the manifold where the stud is screwed in, don't overheat the area. Then carefully attempt to back the stud out of the manifold. You may have to heat the area more than once when removing the stud but once they are loose they will generally back out of the manifold without reheating them. Jerry wants you to remove them so he is not liable if the ear of the manifold breaks off when removing the studs which can happen.

OR

Take it to a machine shop as mentioned above.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

James West

[Alan D.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

Be careful as James said "Jerry wants you to remove them so he is not liable if the ear of the manifold breaks off when removing the studs which can happen."
I see that happen more often than not!

As for repo studs, the one's I got were somewhat different so I had the ends milled to look original (save old to make new look correct)
You may also consider SS, but a judge may pick these up if shinny. For less than a point hit its worth it for future maintenance. It's the manifold that's worth the points and $.

[Tom L.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

and... if you do brake an ear they are not completely ruined. We used them on stock cars and due to vibrations (everything was mounted solidly) and mishaps (Crashing, beating and banging) the ears broke all the time. If the manifold is origional and you can't get one with the correct date code bring it to a talented welder. New studs can be placed into the remaining threads and tig welded in, but the person doing the welding must know what they are doing. Under the conditions listed above the repaired manifolds held up great, outlasting the screw in studs until they were all welded in.

[Joe R.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

In reference to the machine shop, what is EDM? I'm planning to use the stainless steel studs.

Joe

[Jim W.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

You may need to use a MAPP torch (it's much hotter). I did just as James described on my 55 Willys PU and it worked when nothing else would. It's worth a shot and if they do break off you can still do the EDM.

[Dick W.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

EDM electro discharge machining

[Terry M.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

In reference to the machine shop, what is EDM? I'm planning to use the stainless steel studs.

Joe

EDM = Electric Discharge Machining

It is a method of removing metal in a very controlled fashion.

[Jim W.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

In reference to the machine shop, what is EDM? I'm planning to use the stainless steel studs.

Joe

It stands for Electro Discharge Machining. It's a large well controled precision machine that has an electro-charge tip that basically disentigrates the metal. Widely used in the industrial field to remove broken bolts taps etc.

[Jamie F.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

If you have an oxy-acetylene torch for welding, just heat up the area around the stud to a cherry red, and shock the studs with WD-40, clamp on some vise-grips, and screw them out. If you really want to save the old ones (I wouldn't advise it) you can use the two nut process and screw them out that way. This process works every time.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

heat the area with a torch and drip candle wax in around the threads. this also works to remove pipe plugs

[Harmon C.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

If you have an oxy-acetylene torch for welding, just heat up the area around the stud to a cherry red, and shock the studs with WD-40, clamp on some vise-grips, and screw them out. If you really want to save the old ones (I wouldn't advise it) you can use the two nut process and screw them out that way. This process works every time.

I know one thing about this job. When you hear the stud snap it threads out or you cracked the manifold. Their is no advanced notice as to which will happen. Good luck!! My average is two out one broke on the stud with little meat on the outside.

[Gary C.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

Joe, I've used Kroil and heat and had good success. Kroil's the best penetrating oil I've every used except for some stuff about 20 years called Breakfree which was military tank barrell cleaner but the EPA made change the formula and it's not the same. Also, have used on steel studs in aluminum a fairly new CRC spray can producted - Freeze Off. Respray the studs once every 5 minutes for 30 minutes and some came out with my fingers and no vice grips required. It replaces the wort (freeze type) remover than I used to use. Go slow and easy. Good luck, Gary....

[Dennis C.]

Re: Removing exhaust studs

Joe, if you try the heat, be carefull to heat the manifold only and not the stud. If the stud gets too hot it will twist and break when you try to remove it.

Good luck and let us know hoe you make out.

Regards,

Dennis