exhaust leak fix suggestions

**texas99lb** · 07-20-2009, 09:37 PM

hello guys, I have a pretty bad exhaust leak coming from my drivers side header. The last two bolts that attach the header to the head have broke off inside the head, I am pretty experienced with extracting bolts out of motors, but this one is a little bit more complicated, I am used to using a drill to drill a whole in the bolts and using an extractor to get it out, but my drill will not fit in the space givin, I was wondering what you guys would suggest I do to get these two bolts out so I can have a regular sounding truck..lol..right now its sounds like a really loud valve tick. I have attached a pic

last two header bolts are broke off inside head by firewall

any help is much appreciated

**morgan320i** · 07-20-2009, 09:38 PM

thats a dirty engine :p lol i have the exact same problem i tryed to get a tap in there no way it would fit

**Mean_Green_95** · 07-20-2009, 09:39 PM

try taking the manifold off and using some PB Blaster, a heat gun, and a set of vice grips to work the bolt lose.

**morgan320i** · 07-20-2009, 09:42 PM

i belive he posted like mine is also its broken off inside the head

**morgan320i** · 07-20-2009, 09:43 PM

vise grips cant touch it

**texas99lb** · 07-20-2009, 09:49 PM

I know when I opened the hood when I bought it I almost cried it was so filthy. Yeah the vice grip approach will not work they are about a 1/8" inside the head..I want to clean the motor but dont want to pressure wash it for the fear of messing up my electronics, I have heard steam cleaning works ok. I have plan on cleaning it but dont know how to or what to use. I guess a little elbow grease.

Have my eyes set on this..

I just dont have 2300 dollars for it right now...

**Mean_Green_95** · 07-20-2009, 09:49 PM

the vice grips couldn't touch it if you removed the manifolds?

**vncj96** · 07-20-2009, 09:56 PM

if there is a jagged edge get a fine point punch and a hammer and try tapping the edge to unscrew it

**morgan320i** · 07-21-2009, 11:30 AM

my truck was the oposite had some dings here and there a mest up tailgate some ugly rims and tires but the motor was spotless i never have seen a used motor as clean as it was

**texas99lb** · 07-21-2009, 06:09 PM

Yeah I didnt get that lucky, this truck was used as an oil rig truck, so it was out in dirt all day, the body is in decent shape, there is a couple dings on it, but pretty clean other than that...I cleaned it up pretty good when I got it..The mud under the truck in pretty disturbing, but that will be taking care of. I guess my best bet with this issue is to either lift the motor so I have clearence or find a tiny angled drill that will fit in the given space, i have found one at a harbor freight tool store, I guess it is worth a try. Ill return it if it doesnt work. I really just dont want to have to take out the motor or remove the head for 2 damn broken studs, but the ticking noise is pretty annoying and I am sure my gas mileage isnt as good if it would fixed. I am willing to hear any other suggestions..Although I did get 600 miles to a full tank, I dont know if that is normal, but I was pleased..Filled it up from E for 75 bucks..