PM on exhaust manifold bolts?

[tom3]

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to remove the exhaust manifold bolts and put a dose of Never Seize on them? 4 year old Tahoe @ 30k miles. How common is it for those bolts to break off - even at this point? Might be asking for trouble to do this?

 

[Silverado4x4]

First off never seize will never last under the heat it's exposed too and 2nd as the saying goes "leave well enough alone " if you do it and break a bolt off your looking at a engine tear down to remove the head by having it drilled out to get the broken stud piece out of the head.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

There is a specific brand of exhaust manifold bolts that are strongly recommended by folks here. I cannot remember the brand, but other folks will chime in.

@Doubeleive , @iamdub , @OR VietVet

 

[Fless]

There is a specific brand of exhaust manifold bolts that are strongly recommended by folks here. I cannot remember the brand, but other folks will chime in.

@Doubeleive , @iamdub , @OR VietVet

ARP

A couple of tips for using exhaust manifold clamps

As you guys are all aware, the exhaust manifold bolts on the LS motors are notorious for failing. On my '03 3 of them were gone, two on the rearmost port on the driver's side, one on the rearmost of the passenger side (what great luck!). I decided drilling them out was beyond the amount of...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[Doubeleive]

Arp

 

[Doubeleive]

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to remove the exhaust manifold bolts and put a dose of Never Seize on them? 4 year old Tahoe @ 30k miles. How common is it for those bolts to break off - even at this point? Might be asking for trouble to do this?

Under ideal conditions the bolts should never break or ever need to be touched. I wouldn't worry about it unless one happens to break

 

[Trey Hardy]

I will say the arp studs are a lot easier to work with them trying to line up every single bolt especially if the exhaust is still hooked up and you’re by yourself doing it.

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes, ARP is the ones to get and I have used the studs before. They make great manifold hangers.

 

[iamdub]

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to remove the exhaust manifold bolts and put a dose of Never Seize on them? 4 year old Tahoe @ 30k miles. How common is it for those bolts to break off - even at this point? Might be asking for trouble to do this?

If it were me, I would. Although, I wouldn't remove the stock ones, add anti-seize then reinstall. I'd replace them with ARP. Just do your due diligence when breaking the original ones loose- treat them as if they're older and could be seized. You can't be too careful. Knock on 'em with a hammer, try tightening a hair before backing out, etc. If you remove one and install the new one before moving on to the next one, you shouldn't even need to replace the gasket. Do them in the opposite of the factory-specified tightening sequence.

 

[OR VietVet]

Chase/tap all old threads before reassembly.

 

[Rocket Man]

I’ve removed every one that weren’t already broken, then removed whatever broken pieces in the heads that I could, and replaced them with ARP on both my trucks. At least there won’t be any MORE broken ones.

 

[petethepug]

ARP makes stainless exh mani bolts. Best to use their standard steel to prevent galvanic corrosion on an aluminum block.

 

[steve45]

First off never seize will never last under the heat it's exposed to

There IS a product that will likely hold up to such temps, Mica Lube, from The BG Service Company. Not cheap, but a little goes a long way. Be sure to mix it up prior to use.

Catalog – pg. 57

ULTIMA BLUE 3000 FIRING INDICATOR . . . . . . .simplifies trouble shooting because the indicator bulb is brighter! Unique BG bulb design…

bgservice.com

There is no direct link to the product, you must view the entire page.

 

[Rocket Man]

There IS a product that will likely hold up to such temps, Mica Lube, from The BG Service Company. Not cheap, but a little goes a long way. Be sure to mix it up prior to use.

Catalog – pg. 57

ULTIMA BLUE 3000 FIRING INDICATOR . . . . . . .simplifies trouble shooting because the indicator bulb is brighter! Unique BG bulb design…

bgservice.com

There is no direct link to the product, you must view the entire page.

It doesn’t say anything about high temp. It says you can use it on spark plugs but you can use any anti seize on plugs. I mean, there are several high temp ones- Permatex copper will withstand 1800 degrees so I’m pretty sure it will do. There’s several more specifically rated for extreme heat.