Exhaust manifold question

[Martin Dollar]

So i found my exhaust leak. It is at the two bolt flange at the manifold.The flange is loose but these bolts are done.By site they just look like a hex head bolts that drop through the flange but am having trouble tapping them out after cutting through the bolt getting the exhaust pipe flange moved out of the way. I have not tapped too hard yet and have them soaking with WD. They should drive out or am I off track here? [2.5L 2000 TJ]

 

[KCsTJ]

I'd use a better penetrant, like Kroil - I'm guessing a high mileage situation so try something stronger than wd40. I've had pretty good results from good quality metal softeners

 

[TJ4Jim]

I my son's XJ we had to drill them out, would not budge. Same setup as the TJ

 

[Martin Dollar]

Yep. Splined bolts. Drilled them out, just got it all back together.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Yep. Splined bolts. Drilled them out, just got it all back together.

Major PITA if you did that in place !!

 

[Martin Dollar]

I did and you are correct! Had to cut off the bolts at the converter as well and ended up drilling those out as well. Pulled the front drive shaft and that gave me just enough room. Once i got the correct drill bit combination it was on. Just fired it up this morning, exhaust leak corrected.