Header bolt removal

[LittleMike]

I bought a header pipe for my chopper about 3 years ago from Knothead and I'm going to replace this weekend but the bolts on the header pipes look far from friendly and have obviously been on since 2004.
I'm going to spray them down with something, then I'll let them sit for a day or so,, repaying often.
How easily do these come off?
Basically what I'm asking is how much of a bitch are these to come off? Any tips?
I searched a little bit, nada on this topic.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[HMAN]

Removing the nuts and washers is usually the easiest part. Puting them back on is a bit tricker. Thin wall deep socket will make it a little easier. Sometimes the studs will back out so watch for that.

 

[LittleMike]

There's plenty of rust and corrosion on them. I think I have some liquid wrench.

 

[Mikeinjersey]

See if maybe you can find a friend or a shop that has an induction heating tool you could borrow.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

See if maybe you can find a friend or a shop that has an induction heating tool you could borrow.

Hair dryer or heat gun works well usually.

 

[pknowles]

PB BLASTER is great for rusty nuts and bolts. Sold at most auto stores. As far as going back on, i put some painters tape in the socket and press the nut in the socket about flush. It will hold good enough to start the nut. I would get 4 new lock washers and nuts too if they are the originals.

 

[kickstart]

50-50 Mix of ATF and Acetone
The results below are Breakaway Torque tests by The Machinist Workshop Magazine
None - 516 pounds
WD-40 - 238 pounds
PB Blaster - 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench - 127 pounds
Kano Kroil - 106 pounds
ATF-Acetone mix - 53 pounds

 

[pknowles]

Seems impressive and inexpensive. I think I'm going to try the mix the next time i need to use penetrating oil.

 

[chubs]

50-50 Mix of ATF and Acetone
The results below are Breakaway Torque tests by The Machinist Workshop Magazine
None - 516 pounds
WD-40 - 238 pounds
PB Blaster - 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench - 127 pounds
Kano Kroil - 106 pounds
ATF-Acetone mix - 53 pounds

I've used that mixture of 50/50 acetone/transmission fluid on some really rusted street light anchors, and had really good success. Just one word of caution, try not to let it get on your paint. Acetone has a tendency to eat paint and some plastics.

 

[SKOGDOG]

Great info on the ‘mix’-I hadn’t heard of that one.
Once you get them cracked loose, try using a 1/4” drive deep well socket for exhaust. It doesn’t reach all of the nuts, but I can usually get 3 of the 4 out. The lower rear is easily removed using a ratchet box end wrench. Exhaust flange nuts only torque to 60-80 in.lbs.

 

[LittleMike]

Plenty good information, thanks!
I'm going to cut off the fingertips of a latex glove, then fill the tip with spray and slip it over my nuts, ( couldn't resist saying that)
I think that'll keep the corrosion fighter on my nuts better.