How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

[Rhadley]

1984 Alpha I, 120HP. I need to remove the bolts connecting 2 cast sections of my exhaust line-up and they are really stuck. I need to separate the lower section that has 3-bolt flange holding them together. I tried hitting the heads with a hammer and spraying with WD40. I usually resort to a propane torch at this point, but there is fuel very close by! Any ideas? (I am trying to replace the water shutter/flapper in the exhaust line)

 

[ziggy]

Re: How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

i just went and looked at yer set up on doug russell. a little different than mine with the 2 piece pipe. with the flapper in the middle.(mine was at the top of the pipe) don't know if this will work for you or not. <br />i bent my flapper metal support bar. slid it into it's slot and then with big pliers bent it back straight. i know it was not the way to insall a new flapper. but i was gonna break bolts off too so i got creative...and i was successful. don't know if it will work for you or not rh with the flapper deep inside the pipe. maybe ya can expand on the idea so it will work for you. man,i'd hate to hear ya broke the bolts off. then ya'd be removein the next piece to drill out the bolts so thought i'd just throw my idea out there. good or bad idea, i don't know. but as far as i know i still have flappers in place doin it like this....good luck

 

[KaGee]

Re: How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

I have found PB Blaster, repeatedly applied over a day or two, does wonders on rusted bolts, provided they are not deteriated beyond re-use.

 

[4 Reel]

Re: How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

'Aero Kroil" made by Kano (orange can) works wonders on stuck hardware. By far the best i have used.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

4 Reel....Yup!....JK

 

[Rhadley]

Re: How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

Thanks, Guys. I don't think I can do what you did, ZIggy, since my flapper has steel pipe before and after the flapper.<br /><br />I thought of a way to enhance the penetrating oil. I might try to build a play-do wall around the bolt head and fill it with the oil. That way it might get more in there. I'll let you know if it works. The cost of replacing a bunch of this section would be about 25% of the value of my boat!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: How to Get Exhaust Section Bolts Loose!

Amen on the Kano Kroil. Anybody who makes stuff for years, with no need to advertise, has a great product. I use PB too