I have a small leak from the passenger side manifold. I was told that the stud for the rear most port has broken. I was quoted between $200-$700 to fix. I have a feeling that it will be closer to the $700 and they just dont want to tell me until after they start the work so they can suck me dry. Is there any easy fix to the problem like putting some type of sealant around the leak. I know it would not be a long term fix but I dont want to pay big bucks for just an annoying little problem.

 

no, that is the fix

 

A sealant has a 5% chance of working around a broken stud. It isn't worth it my view ( I have the same problem). The cheapest way is to do it your self. The folks on this forum could talk you through it.
Do you have a trusted buddy thats good with cars. We all have buddys that think they are, Would you trust him with your GF or W? If no then don't trust him with with your truck either, he's a BS'er, Sorry i know I just broke a Man rule 1353.
Do you have basic tools?
Do you have a place to work on it.
Can you find an automotive machine shop? The manifold will need skinned to reflatten it. (Any part store can tell you where one is)

You could do this yourself in a weekend for under a $100.

You could do it the second time in 4 hours for under $50.

Most of what your paying the mechanic for is his time.