Should I attempt to replace the passenger side manifold with what I can get from Napa. I would rather pay 100 bucks for everything and do it myself. But, Im concerned about replacing the studs. From what I have read the studs seam to be the problems for most leaks on these vehicles. I have torque equip. and other tools to do the job. Just want others opinions about this project. How hard really is it?

 

This may be a stupid reply, but why can't you just tighten the manifold bolts as is?

 

You need to be able to get the exhaust manifold bolts that break off out of the head. Also, you may need to machine the manifold surface to make it flat again. Its not the cost of h/w its the labour and the right tools. My 2000 had this, ended up doin both sides eventually.

 

Hey Mhoefer, how much did you pay to have each side done, did it require drilling out the broken bolt and machining the surface. Has the replacements held up so far, how many miles have you had on them since the replacements. thanks for the replies

 

wondering all the same things myself... to the top!

 

Just got done replacing all of the passenger side exhaust manifold bolts and gasket, or should I say having them done. I am very mechanically inclined and initially started this project myself, but in carefully attempting to remove the remaining studs the first two I tried broke off in the head. One of them (right next to the originaly broken one--the top rear) was rusted halfway through and there was no saving it. The other was rusted a quarter the way through. I stopped right there and took it to my local ASE mechanic since I knew I did not want to mess with the hassles of drilling broken rusted bolts out of an aluminum head, not to mention I would have had to pay to have the manifold planed flat anyway. After $400 bucks ($100 in parts) it is as good as new. I know, I just threw away 300 bucks, but IMO sometimes it is worth leaving the real pain in rear repairs to the pros. BTW, I didnt realize just how bad that exhaust leak really was until now. This think sounds very quiet and like a new truck again!

 

I hope you bought a new manifold and new stainless st studs from ford as this is the only real fix. You shouldn't deal with old manifolds. I think I paid $135.00 each for the manifolds..studs are pricey but stainless.


Dick

 

Yes I did get the new Ford stainless hardware and a new "revised" gasket, but no on the new manifold. Ford parts guy and my mechanic both said that if the OEM manifold is not too warped, then just planing it flat works fine. This is the first I have heard of replacing with a new manifold. There was very little warpage, and no other problems such as cracking. Now I hope it lasts.....

 

They get thin with rust and crack. You may be ok if you don't see salt..


Dick

 

I had the driver's side done on my 6.8. considered doing it myself, but very glad I didn't. As it was the mechanic had to pull the head as one stud couldn't be drilled out. he brought the head to my shop where we clamped it to a bridgeport table and carefully drilled it out and re-tapped the hole. When put back together everything worked great and it was money well spent.

 

I had 3 broken studs on pass side. I welded to them to remove with mig welder. I was not gonna take the engine apart. It took awhile but I had time...20 hours in the wheel well.


Dick

 

yes, i have done every ounce of work on my truck as well... but i think this one is gonna be an exception..

 

 

I just got done doing mine on the passenger side. It's not that bad as long as you jack the motor up and pull the fender well out. I had three broken. Used vice grips on one and easy out on two of them. Piece of advice use heat on the nuts. They will come off a lot easier

 

I'm assuming you also have an 04-07, i don't exactly have access to a heat source like a torch, I already figured I was going to take out the fender well plastic, and the dealership machanic gave me the advice to take out the right engine mount and jack it up.. how long did it take you? and did you have to plane out the sealing surface?