99 f150 4x4, 4.6L 128,000. I've always heard a sound that would make me think of a manifold leak. tonight i saw on the driver's side, the last bolt on the header is broke off.. now, how should this be addressed.. what all is involved with replacing the bolt...and please, nobody tell me that the engine must be pulled!!! will any lasting damage come of this if not addressed quickly? thanks..

 

You need to get the studs replaced. This entails pulling the exhausts manifold and replacing the studs - not the motor! You don't won't to put this job off forever since damage to the block can occur.

 

i am looking at getting an exhuast system installed sometime soon..would it make more sense to let the mechanic do this during the install of the exhaust system? and would a manifold leak disrupt the idling of the truck at all...so you can pull the manifolds without pulling the motor...thank you lord..

 

You won't gain much if you plan on replacing the manifold's with headers. A leaking manifold might cause a unstable idle but it depends on how much your tach is moving. Have you checked the other side?

 

i did but it was dark and i couldnt see very well..so i am not sure...so what is the difference between manifolds and headers...is it difficult to replace the bolt or does it just slip right in.. and i have one other qestion..will the o2 sensors still work right if i have the cat converters gutted?? always been curious about this...thanks

 

Do not let that exhaust leak go to long with that broken manifold bolt. I am speaking from experience here to the tune of $4800.00 (I ended up with a new long block). Because I let it go long enough that it scorched the head the the point of no return and trashed the block also(scorched a non repairable notch into the block). It burned the snot of of it in about 5000 miles. So to make a long story short the manifold studs and gaskets are a whole lot cheaper that a new long block (what I ended up doing). Also take a staight edge to the manifold, if it warped (they are prone to this) change it out, it will just leak again (unless you are going to unload the truck on some poor soul). Since you are on the drivers side the EGR tube comes out of this manifold also and most of the time they will be rotted enough to end up with a new connector and tube ( about $115 for both from FORD).

Also if you have someone else do the work, make sure it is not some backyard guru. The studs can be a pain to get out, but with patients they will come out. Also do not panic if one breaks off flush with the head. A right angle drill and a left hand twist drill bit of just a bit smaller than the diameter of the stud will walk them out nicely. Just remember to put the drill in reverse. Been there, done this. Good luck!

 

well the thing is, i dont know how long this bolt has been broken.. how will i know if i have done some bad lasting damage?

 

I had the same problem. took it to one place said that the whole manifold was warped and had to be replaced. then the waranty compnay got involved and took it to there shop and just replaced the bolt and gasket and now 1,000 miles later, same d**m leak. have had nothing but problems with this company (guardian) say that everything on the truck was a problem from before i got it so they wont cover anything. i guess you nead to drive a certain amount of miles before the waranty kicks in, who would of thought.

 

I did the drivers side on mine earlier this year. It's slow tedious work, but can be done. If you search under exhaust manfiold, exhaust studs, stuff like that, there is a ton of info. available. Go into it prepared and you'll do fine.

Spotty..