Hello Everyone!
I've finally decided to sign up to Powerstroke.org (I've read many threads for help) and I must say this is a great place to share info! Anyways, I recently purchased a new to me 2002 F-250 XLT with 99,000 miles. After putting on a few miles, I've decided to tackle the dreaded up pipes due to an obvious leak (black soot & low power). I bought the bellowed uppipes from Riffraff as well as some turbo o-rings, etc. Removal of turbo wasn't bad, until I got to the uppipes. The bolts from the manifold to the uppipes were so rusted I couldn't get any socket on them. I spent several hours managing to get one bolt out on the driver side with some vise grips and a small hammer. I've had these bolts soaking in PB blaster for a week. I have one more bolt on the driver side and both stuck on the passenger side. I took off the passenger side wheel well and there is more room to get in that way. I've tried PB blaster, a hammer and punch, and I also tried a propane torch to try to heat it up.
What are your tips and tricks to how you guys/gals accomplished this frustrating task? Any recommendations for my situation?
Thank you in advance for any advice!
I've finally decided to sign up to Powerstroke.org (I've read many threads for help) and I must say this is a great place to share info! Anyways, I recently purchased a new to me 2002 F-250 XLT with 99,000 miles. After putting on a few miles, I've decided to tackle the dreaded up pipes due to an obvious leak (black soot & low power). I bought the bellowed uppipes from Riffraff as well as some turbo o-rings, etc. Removal of turbo wasn't bad, until I got to the uppipes. The bolts from the manifold to the uppipes were so rusted I couldn't get any socket on them. I spent several hours managing to get one bolt out on the driver side with some vise grips and a small hammer. I've had these bolts soaking in PB blaster for a week. I have one more bolt on the driver side and both stuck on the passenger side. I took off the passenger side wheel well and there is more room to get in that way. I've tried PB blaster, a hammer and punch, and I also tried a propane torch to try to heat it up.
What are your tips and tricks to how you guys/gals accomplished this frustrating task? Any recommendations for my situation?
Thank you in advance for any advice!