Topic: changing broken exhaust manifold std.......

[GzrGlide]

So we've been putting up with an exhaust leak for quite a while so I decided to take it to a local performance exhaust shop to get an estimate.

$800!!!!!!! They tell me the rear stud on the head/exhaust manifold is broken (I figured that thats what it was) and that it's a bg job to replace it. They're telling me 10 to 12 hours!

Has anyone done this on a 4 banger? Any advice to do this in the garage. The jp can be down for as long as it takes, so I'm in no rush.

[Jeffy]

So we've been putting up with an exhaust leak for quite a while so I decided to take it to a local performance exhaust shop to get an estimate.

$800!!!!!!! They tell me the rear stud on the head/exhaust manifold is broken (I figured that thats what it was) and that it's a bg job to replace it. They're telling me 10 to 12 hours!

Has anyone done this on a 4 banger? Any advice to do this in the garage. The jp can be down for as long as it takes, so I'm in no rush.

Wow, they really like money.    Have you tried the Dealer?  The job is a PITA if you don't have the right tools available.  If you're adventurous, you might want to try to tear down the head yourself.  At least then all the shop has to do is fish the bits out.  Although once the head is off you could probably try getting them out too. (Just don't use an EZ-Out)  You might also have the head rebuilt if you have a lot of miles on the engine.  Otherwise, leave the head on and try to fish it out yourself or have drive it to someone and have it done.  The latter will cost the most.

Sometimes the threads will spin out with only a little coaxing.  Other times, it requires a lot of work.  Without checking it for yourself, it could be a 15 minute job that you're paying $$$ for or well worth it if the mechanic has to wrestle with it.

[lanulos89]

not surprised midas wanted 1500 to do mine, a year ago.  best part was he couldn't even find the broken stud, i had to poitn it out to the dumb a$$.  ended up being a driveway job, but like jeffy said NO EASY OUTS.  i used one broke off, ended up smoking like 5 drill bits on the easy out alone.

[neale_rs]

My mechanic charged $150.  If he had wanted $800 or $1500 I would have invested in a reversible drill (my current one is old and no longer works in reverse) and reverse drill bits and then done it very slowly and carefully.  That would be my best recommendation.  Get the best tools for the job, nothing like having the right tools. Also, a mechanic with a small shop may charge a lot less than a performance exhaust shop.  Mechanics that deal with old cars all the time usually have plenty of experience with drilling out studs and bolts.

[oldjeep]

Is it broke off flush, or in a ways?   I usually just weld a nut to the remainder of the stud, works good as long as it is not broke in from flush.  The heat helps loosen up the rust and then you just back it out with a wrench.  Sometimes you'll break the nut off and it'll take a few tries.

[jeepheap]

i had a buddy who worked in auto body work and he used a stud welder. he attached a couple soaked it with pb blaster and used plires. took like 20 mins. i'll do it for you at half your quote.

[wrangler387]

I just swapped heads lol.