[Roadsters] OFF topic manifold question 92 Ford Ranger

[E Scanlon]

If after you've exhausted all methods of trying to work them off normally, 
or yourself; whichever comes first AND you can get a drill bit onto the head 
of the bolts then drill in the center of the bolt head with larger and 
larger drill bits until the head of the bolt falls off.  After that simply 
remove the manifold by sliding it off the remaining part of the bolt. 
Consider that you might need a 900 adaptor for the drill but they're rather 
inexpensive at Harbor Freight.

To re-install why not swap out the bolts with threaded inserts and then use 
nuts/washers to hold the manifold in place.

Just a WAG.
E

Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2009 9:59 AM
Subject: [Roadsters] OFF topic manifold question 92 Ford Ranger


> The manifold is bolted (not studs and nuts) with 3" long bolts with tiny 
> 10 MM
> heads. Even a 6 point socket starts to round the head of the bolt. I don't
> think putting a torch to it will do the aluminum cylinder head any good. 
> The
> bolt threads are buried and can't get penetrating oil to. I need to get 
> this
> off. (grind it to bits ??????? )
> ANY THOUGHTS
>
> Dave