Using impact wrench on exh manifold?

[Kdouglas89]

I am replacing my stock exhaust manifold. I got all the bolts from the head off, now I am working on the 4 that sit ontop of the mani. I have broken 2 wrenches in the process of trying to untorque these sob's. Spraying anti-seeze, wd-40. I have "1" of them loosened a little bit, but still using all my strength in the process.

Should I really need to go out and buy an impact wrench to un-torque these 4 bolts?

Ps. I need one anyways, just need an excuse to go buy one if needed

 

[ICM_MikeLago]

A breaker bar does the trick if you don't want to spend the money on an impact. Make sure you pay attention to the torque rating on the impact if you do decide to go that route.

 

[T is for TURBO]

Heat>Impact/breaker bar

 

[Kdouglas89]

A breaker bar does the trick if you don't want to spend the money on an impact. Make sure you pay attention to the torque rating on the impact if you do decide to go that route.

I didn't even think about a breaker bar. Hmmm

 

[Steve93Talon]

It's much easier to crack those loose (without snapping them) if you do it while the engine's still hot. Also easier to break those loose before removing the mani to head nuts.

 

[wparks]

A neat trick I've used in the past is to apply torque, and give the bolt head a rap with a small hammer. The shock travels down the bolt and can break it free. This works best if you're using the box end of a wrench, so you can rap on the bolt head itself.

If that does not work you have to go the muscle route- you're going to want to use a 1/2" drive breaker bar, with a solid 6-point socket, preferably an impact socket for the extra strength. You will probably break them off.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I use my chordless impact on exhaust studs and the 4 on top..

 

[Twinturbo120]

The 80 dollar impact from HF will do the trick. It's the one I used, broke em loose like butter.

 

[Kdouglas89]

Ye, I was using the hammer to break the head bolts loose, but it was not working on the top 4. The one I had loose was turning a tad, but with all my strength with a regular socket wrench. I noticed it would be a hell of a lot easier to remove the 4 before hand "DOH!"

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

[T is for TURBO]

Guys, no impact is needed. Just heat it up and use a wrench.

If the next thread I see is "I snapped an exhaust manifold stud. Please help" so help me god......

 

[1992 Eagle Talon TSi]

I just shot some pb blaster on them and let them sit a few mins and took a 1/2" drive 17" breaker bar and man handled them loose. Took a lot of muscle to pop them loose, but it did the trick and nothing broke.

 

[Zmoney8907]

If it doesnt turn to the left sometimes a slight bump to the right will break it free