That bottom middle exhaust manifold bolt!

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by koosh, Jun 4, 2021.

  1. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    I went out to the car Saturday to see if I could do this and YES it was a lot easier 20+ years ago I think I had to change the gaskets about 10 years ago now, and i wonder if I can get my hands in there and be able to bend up that much and plus you almost have to do this blindly. I just can't wait to change gaskets or try to take these things off again lol
     
    Dano likes this.
  2. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    if he likes your carb it will be missing :eek:
     
    Dano likes this.
  3. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Yep!
    I put some oil or greeeeeze on the bolt so it turns kinda easy by my fingers.:D
     
  4. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Damn right it was easier 20 years ago, Im gettin' concerned by the time I get my aluminum heads I wont be able to bend, twist, squat, lay down and get back up:rolleyes::eek:
    Ahhh, some Coronas will fix that:D
     
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  5. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    Well guys,
    That center bolt sure has given us all plenty of laughs.:D:D:D
     
    Dano likes this.
  6. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    I'm just glad we found someone to put that center bolt in! ^^
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  7. Zachs 72

    Zachs 72 New Member

    OMG, those are an absolute pain in the ass. My son put on headers and used header heat wrap first. The bolt is literally buried, and in the worst possible spot. Only suggestion is we couldn't find any tool, or combination that worked other than good 'ol fingertips and a 12 point wrench. Took us forever as none of us have small hands so we took turns trying. Not sure what Buick thought, but they didn't think far enough ahead for headers and how much of a pain that bolt location would be....yikes.
     
  8. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    Congrats! You found the secret!:D
     
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  9. koosh

    koosh Well-Known Member

    Well Fellas....I tried. I tried every suggestion made here. I simply cannot get a wrench, my hands, or fingers anywhere near these PITA bolts. So, they stay loose. Maybe a buyer will have better luck.
    Appreciate all the help though, this is a great helpful forum.
     
  10. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Dont leave 'em loose, I had considered that also, BUT, when the gasket burns out. and you get a spit spit spit leak, it'll sound like ****, and you'll be at it again:mad:
    Did you remove the fuel pump and slide yer arm in from the front?
     
  11. koosh

    koosh Well-Known Member

    Lol, I'm done. Car goes up for sale as soon as I get bucket seats back from upholstery. I may see if a garage locally in CT wants to try it on a lift.
     
  12. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    I was pretty sure you can get to the middle bolt on the drivers side by getting under the car. You would have to take the starter off to get to the pass side but really that one is easier by going in thru the top. It takes small hands and a boatload of patience. You get that wrench on it and move it then turn it around on the open end put it back on and move it one more face.

    The box end on the wrench needs to be thin or it will hit the header grind it on the grinder to thin out the box end then it will fit to get it on there. The Craftsman is thinner on that end.

    I actually bought the Craftsman ratchet style box end set so I could do this only to find out the box end was too fat to get around the bolt the headers were in the way so had to go back to one face at a time with the box or the open end. .
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  13. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    ^^^
     
  14. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Come to think of it, the right (pass.) side is a breeze, never had any issues, I think the head pipes are routed differently
     
    Dano likes this.
  15. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Yes it’s just the drivers side that’s a pain if I remember right. I use the 10mm ARP bolts with the Allen key hey in the middle. The Allen keys can be easier to get in the tight spots. Even in my turbo headers that’s the only tough bolt but it’s easy from under the car.
     
  16. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Any chance you know the part number for those, Sean?
     
  17. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    sorry it’s been many years subframe I bought them. I recall them being SBC application
     
  18. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    These? From Mr Gasket:
    [​IMG]
     
    sean Buick 76 likes this.
  19. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    I just can't see an allen wrench having a finer increment to turn that bolt than a 12 point box end wrench....
    It seems it would be like using a 6 point socket or box end that does not work.
     
    Dano likes this.
  20. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    yes very similar to those ones. It’s not that the increment is different vs a bolt it’s just the ease of access to get the tool in there that helps.
     

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