Suggestions on separating seized exhaust pipe joints...

I want to install a new oil pan on my 98 and I hit a snag with the 1st set of joints right after the muffler. I've tried getting some WD40 in there and letting it sit. I've done (some) banging and have applied (some) heat. I say (some) because I don't want to hit too hard or heat too much. I could be just being too careful. I'm a handy guy but lack the experience. Is there a product out there I'm not considering or a special technique? I am assuming that these joints have never been taken apart in the lifetime of the machine.


thanks in advance!

 

Sometime you just need a lot more force to get them out. Use some rust removal spray and more heat (a torch) is an idea. Don't be shy to use a BIG mallet

 

There are many excellent reasons why people HATE working on exhaust systems !!! And it always takes about 3 times longer than you than you thought.

 

PB. Blaster is your friend. Soak early & often. I start soaking about a week out~

 

A week out? Wow...so another tool to add to the box is "patience." :smile:

 

WD40 is also pretty useless as a penetrant. Like others have mentioned, PB Blaster is your best bet, and readily available.

 

I am now a couple days into heating it up...hitting it with PB Blaster and banging it with a mallet and repeating...:smile:

 

do you have a couple of pipe wrenches you could try to counter rotate it with?

 

Ooo...nice idea...I'll give it a go. I am being patient. I am learning the patience my kids never taught me...a hee hee!!!

 

With all this banging I'm doing would it be advisable to unbolt the header from the rear of the engine?

 

The header is fine on the engine-

Apply desired liquid penetrant in a generous dose.
Tap bolt heads or where bolt meets nut, this creates vibration which provides the opportunity for the penetrant to work more efficiently.
Heat- The bolt will be hardened steel, while the flange and nut will not be. The softer metals will respond quicker than the hardened bolt- overheat and the bolt will act as a hear sinc and this won't work.

Lubricate, bang, and then work on backing the nut off.

 

I didn't mention that the clamps loosened of right away with a bit of effort. I'm just dealing with the actual pipes being fused together. Now that I have patience in my toolbox, I see light at the end of the tunnel.

 

:hss: You still work on the pipe...............?
Let me go grap the hand saw and give you a hand ound:

 

HAHAHAHA!!

It's on there good! Actually I just freed up one of them and just finished giving the other the ol' torch mallet PB treatment...won't be long now.

 

Success!

Thanks for all you help fellas!!