Exhaust Pre Silencer rusted to H/Exchanger

[993 C4]

Chaps, any quick advice on how best to remove a badly rusted pre silencer to the heat exchanger without risking damaging the exchanger ? All 5 bolts are solid and will not move at all despite copious amounts of WD40 applied over past few days !

Cheers, Nick.

 

[Dr D]

Hi Nick ,, I would get it into the specialists who can get the right people to remove the studs and when they break ( and they will ) it will be a lot easir to re drill tap and sort.

I had some issues replacing my heat exchangers - but no real drama as the garage dealt with it. good luck

 

[IndischRot]

Heat. And more heat. And then a bit more. An acetylene torch is ideal but beyond most DIYers. Next best is a MAPP gas torch like http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rothenberger-35536-MAP-399-7g-Disposable/dp/B003AN9C9Y A standard propane torch just can't put enough heat fast enough to get the nut hot - the heat gets dissipated by the bolt/stud and surrounding flanges etc. Ideally you want the nut cherry red and it should then come off without much of a struggle. Not enough heat and you'll just shear the stud/bolt.

When the nut comes off and drops on the ground don't be tempted to pick it up. For a few minutes at least.

Or take it to a specialist and they will use heat. But they may/should warn you that 100% success is not a certainty and broken studs/bolts can still happen. They will thank you profusely if you just bring the car to them for removing rusted exhaust fasteners and you then take the car back to do the rest of the work.

 

[mesaboogieman]

Hammer and chisel the nuts off ( if you can get to them). It worked for me

 

[993 C4]

Thanks for replies. Access is now not a problem as she's up on axle stands, wheels off and the near side lower panel removed to gain even better access. Think I'll get the dremel out later and slice through the nuts & bolts !

 

[RICHOT89]

Keep us updated on how you get on (for future reference!!).