mijohnst
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2019
- Posts
- 246
- Reaction score
- 255
I was just about to start reinstalling my catalytic converter (started another thread for that project) when I noticed that the 14mm bolt on the end of the left side exhaust manifold was loose. No problem, I'll just get up there with my wrench to tighten it only to find out it's broken off inside the block and about an inch of the bold was just hanging out in the hole. While I was contemplating the work of removing the head to get that out, how I would possibly kill myself or to do a google search, I decided the latter.
What I found was this is a common issue with these 5.3 and that is a solution for it already. Instead of pulling the head out, Napa sells a clamp specifically for this issue. Part number 600-0012. It made my day to find it.
It was a bit of a pain to get it installed but having the chaotic converter, forward driveshaft and the heat shield removed it made it much easier. Remember to put some blue thread locker on each bold before you get it installed if you have to do this. I don't think mine was smoking yet because I've haven't seen any exhaust coming from inside the engine compartment, but I have no doubt it would have eventually been an issue. Anyway, I hope this helps someone!
(The hole without the bolt)
(Clamp installed)
What I found was this is a common issue with these 5.3 and that is a solution for it already. Instead of pulling the head out, Napa sells a clamp specifically for this issue. Part number 600-0012. It made my day to find it.
It was a bit of a pain to get it installed but having the chaotic converter, forward driveshaft and the heat shield removed it made it much easier. Remember to put some blue thread locker on each bold before you get it installed if you have to do this. I don't think mine was smoking yet because I've haven't seen any exhaust coming from inside the engine compartment, but I have no doubt it would have eventually been an issue. Anyway, I hope this helps someone!
(The hole without the bolt)
(Clamp installed)
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