Should I first spray them with WD40 (a day in advance) before I attempt to loosen them? Are the header bolts easy to break when they get old? This is regarding a '89 900 5-speed non-turbo. Thanks for any tips. Mark
That's what I do, but no matter how careful I am, I alwasy end up breaking most of them. Disclaimer: I have not attempted this on the car in question; my answer pertains to exhaust manifold bolts generally.
I have read that the way to do this is to melt some candle wax onto the bolts if you can. I have never tried that. I believe I got that trick from an Oldsmobile listserv.
Best wishes.
Why? Are the wet? Why would you spray them with a water displacing oil like WD40? (yo know that's what the WD stands for)
spend a few dollars and get some real penetrating oil like PBblaster or Kroil.
I just talked to an exhaust specialist & he said that he never sprays them but he does always use a torch to help loosen them
So if you have a big torch, skip the oil. Otherwise get some PB Blast.
I use Plusgas in the UK, although I have heard of brand called Mouse Milk that is supposedly best of all, but isn't available here yet.
Also, I've heard good things about diesel fuel being one of the best anti seizes going, if you have time to use it.
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