Removing bolts at exhaust manifold downpipe

JamesR77

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Feb 17, 2024
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Warsaw, IN
Hey folks. Need some ideas/assistance. I am replacing the oil pan in my '97 TJ 4.0i6. Hit a big hump wrong in a field while playing a bit and dented the heck out of it. Anyway, I need to drop the exhaust to get the pan off but am having a heck of a time disconnecting from the exhaust manifold. Have spray penetrating oil and let sit, still no budge. Can I cut those off and get a good replacement?

Any ideas would be much appreciated.
 
The flange u-nuts? I have been able to get replacements at the hardware store, though they don't fit up exactly the same.
Have you tried heat, and multiple rounds of the penetrating oil over the course of a couple days?
 
Cut em off and replace them with any 5/16" bolt. I don't bother with anti seize or anything...I just assume I'm probably cutting them off the next time.

-Mac
 
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I have a mechanic who is great at removing seized bolts. He hits them with a metal object like the flat side of a ball peen hammer or a screwdriver for extension to the hammer and they come right off. I was amazed when he showed me how quickly they come off. The penetrating oil might not penetrate, but the shock will break the seize.