kbt wrote:
>
> new ss exhaust system
> ... getting off
> the nuts holding the down-pipe
>
> got one nut off. i then tried the other
> two and broke off the studs inside the nut.
>
> Now what do i do?
Say dirty words, leave the car, and go have a cold
beverage of your choice! Seriously, that's an excellent
path to take when major setbacks occur in the middle
of a project. When you're in a better state of mind (no
not under the influence of the beverage, later than that)
go back and make your plan of attack.
> i do have new studs
> two options:
>
> 1) ... drive it over to the
> garage and let them figure it out (don't like this
> because of the principle of the thing)
I had to do this once on an exhaust system change. You're
right it violates many unwritten rules. They may also
see you as "ripe for the picking" and charge you a bunch!
So let's work on option 2
>
> 2) get the studs out of the manifold or die trying.
>
> are there any secrets to this
Sure, lots of them. Probably everybody on the list has
their best "how to remove rusty threads" practice. I think
most will agree that PATIENCE is a big component. Use your
favorite penetrating oil -- there's lots to choose from. Soak
the threads and wait. Soak, wait. Soak, wait. (this should be
a many days process, not just a few minutes) An occasional
tap with a light hammer during this process can help as
well.
When you think it might be ready to move, figure out how
to do the twisting. If there's exposed stud, grabbing with
a pair of vice grips (tm) should work. If not, then the
issue turns into the drill/EZout process -- a pain, but doable.
If your attempt to turn fails (don't put too much pressure on
things!), go back to the soak/wait cycle.
The ultimate brute force method is to drill the entire stud
out and rethread for a larger size. I'd definately farm this
process out (but others here would tackle this project).
Good luck!
Joe
flake@a3115jmf.atl.hp.com
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