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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

H Pipe to Header bolts...can't get them off help

  • Thread starter Thread starter MineralG2k2GT
  • Start date Start date May 19, 2005

MineralG2k2GT

New Member
Feb 9, 2003
451
0
0
Lowell, MA
May 19, 2005
#1
  • May 19, 2005
  • #1
so we are in the middle of my long tube install..after two nights we havent made much progress. Can't seem to get the H pipe off

How on god's green earth do you get up there to get those bolts off...they just aren't budging. I am using a nice air gun, the mother of all extensions and some good swivel sockets. The only thing we can think of is the torque from the air gun is being absorbed by the extensions...

How have other people gotten up into there and gotten those bolts off..there just is no room. I am aggrivated now becuase we are beyong the point of no return with the install. I am rather aggrivated and thinkig I bit off more than I can chew
 

hotrodnut

Member
Jul 12, 2004
672
0
17
North Florida
May 19, 2005
#2
  • May 19, 2005
  • #2
Sounds like you have all the right tools, I took my Son's off with a ratchet, extension, swivel and socket with no problem. Maybe because of the climate where you are you may need to use some liquid wrench to help them break them loose.
 

apk1971

New Member
Jul 28, 2003
133
0
0
Upstate NY
May 19, 2005
#3
  • May 19, 2005
  • #3
It took some fight, but we got mine off last weekend with good old fashion muscle. We used a rachet, socket and extension.

The issue is that the bolts are machine pressed at the factory. Once you get them off, look at them. The opening is oval because the factory squeezes them onto the studs. One of the studs we actually pulled out and had to re-thread it. It helps to have all the tools at your disposal...
 

Kronos

New Member
Apr 4, 2005
101
0
0
the boondocks
May 19, 2005
#4
  • May 19, 2005
  • #4
I had the same problem and i eventually got pissed and used a cutting torch on my last one and i dremmeled the one before it ! If you do something like a torch be careful as not to burn anything important. I got lucky and didn't toast my starter but i almost did.
 

CaliLifeStyle

New Member
Jun 9, 2004
625
0
0
Oxnard, CA
May 19, 2005
#5
  • May 19, 2005
  • #5
Liquid Wrench and let it soak all night. Should come off easy now.
 

BlackenedSVT

Active Member
Jan 18, 2004
1,841
7
38
New Jersey
May 19, 2005
#6
  • May 19, 2005
  • #6
Use 24" Extensions for your socket wrenches with swivel sockets on the ends. And Liquid Wrench (little yellow bottle) is a MUST...although I used WD-40 and it worked just as good.

A breaker bar might work well too...but the LAST thing you want to do is break the studs on those manifold bolts.
 
R

RedLine01

New Member
Aug 4, 2003
148
0
0
MaComb Twp., MI.
May 19, 2005
#7
  • May 19, 2005
  • #7
I just got done putting mine back together after the engine install. The drivers side is pretty easy ill bet its the passanger side giving you the grief. Take thye starter out, that gives you more room. Lube it up and let it sit.
Good luck
 

MineralG2k2GT

New Member
Feb 9, 2003
451
0
0
Lowell, MA
May 19, 2005
#8
  • May 19, 2005
  • #8
thanks for the help..ill soak the crap out of them tonight for a couple hours then go back at it

once the H pipe is out of the way hopefully the trannywill come out a little easier
 

topless98gt

Adhesive Feces
Mar 31, 2005
182
0
17
Arlington, TX
May 19, 2005
#9
  • May 19, 2005
  • #9
I actually put my stock H pipe back on last night. I've got to go get my inspection soon.

What I did was used a 10" extension with a 3" extension and a 1/2" drive ratchet. I used PB Blaster (similar to Liquid Wrench, but works faster and harder) to spray on the bolts. I would not suggest using an air tool for breaking them loose.

Also...I used a rubber mallet to hit it once I had the socket in place.

Hope this helps.
 

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
8,474
1,463
223
Sea of Tranquility
May 19, 2005
#10
  • May 19, 2005
  • #10
I used PBblaster...good stuff. Soaked for about an hour and they eased right off.
 
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