The Ford Barn

Mikemiller · 05-19-2019, 11:20 PM

Greetings, on my 57 Fairlane Sunliner 312 cid I can't get access to the exhaust manifold bolt, passenger side, nearest the firewall. It's behind a down-tube of the manifold, too tight of a fit to allow socket. And too close to the firewall/fender well to allow a box or open-end wrench to be turned. Really don't want to pull the engine if I can possibly help it. The bolt's not frozen, in fact it's slightly loose -- I just can't get a wrench on it to tighten or remove it. On a 1 - 10 scale of mechanics, I'm about a 3.5 so what may be an obvious solution is eluding me. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

40 Deluxe · 05-19-2019, 11:39 PM

Hmm, don't recall that bolt being a problem, but can't remember what wrench I used. May have been a half-moon box end. Try that or a crow's foot.

Y-Blockhead · 05-20-2019, 12:09 AM

You should be able to get an open end wrench on it. The manifold may be in front of it but it's clear from the top unless your '57 is a LOT tighter than my '55. Maybe try one of those ratcheting open ends.

I'll have a look at mine in the morning...

JimNNN · 05-20-2019, 02:25 AM

Is the heater stuff creating access problems?

KULTULZ · 05-20-2019, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikemiller

...on my 57 Fairlane Sunliner 312 cid I can't get access to the exhaust manifold bolt, passenger side, nearest the firewall. It's behind a down-tube of the manifold, too tight of a fit to allow socket. And too close to the firewall/fender well to allow a box or open-end wrench to be turned.

Are you possibly describing a road draft tube as was used on the BIRD?

If so, either loosen or remove tube to gain access to the fastener.

darrell · 05-20-2019, 07:41 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

if your trying to remove the manifold you dont need to remove it.just slide the manifold ahead as this is open.

Y-Blockhead · 05-20-2019, 12:49 PM

I can get a 9/16" box end wrench on the last bolt, altho it is tight. maybe with a shorty wrench would be easier.

I didn't try it but it looks like I could get a socket with a universal joint on it. Remember this is on a '55.

Darrel is correct, that bolt does not need to come all the way out in order to remove the manifold.

Daves55Sedan · 05-20-2019, 09:56 PM

I have always used a 9/16" box end wrench that has a wraparound handle. Don't know what they are officially called. Sorry don't have photo of them.

miker98038 · 05-20-2019, 10:08 PM

Like this?

https://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/im...ei=600&wid=600

Ole Don · 05-21-2019, 10:15 AM

https://shop.harborfreight.com/media...7/97383_W3.jpg

These is the handiest wrenches I ever bought.

tjaybo · 05-21-2019, 11:23 AM

Mike that bolt is problematic, You have to loosen all the bolts and pull the manifold back a little at a time to get it out. When installed in the car I had to use a custom ground cut off stubby wrench. Once the other bolts are out you can slide the manifold forward 1/2 inch and it will slide off the bolt. Good luck

Mikemiller · 05-21-2019, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the quick replies, I appreciate it! I did NOT know that last bolt hole wasn't a closed hole, that makes my task much much easier. I've tried u-joint sockets, 'wobbly' sockets, offset wrenches, you name it. I just bought & tried one of those ratcheting-box end wrenches but still a hair too fat to fit between the bolt and the back wall of the manifold. It's maybe a 3/8" gap. I'll keep trying; many of you have done it, I reckon I've just not stumbled onto the precise tool/angle-of-approach combination yet. Heck, now I can slide that manifold off, I may just hang this new ratcheting box-end onto the bolt before I slide the manifold back on. I'll be able to tighten the bolt, and just torch off the wrench when I'm done! Sacrificial wrenches - gotta get cheaper tools for that role!

KULTULZ · 05-21-2019, 08:38 PM

Again-

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Are you possibly describing a road draft tube as was used on the BIRD?

If so, either loosen or remove tube to gain access to the fastener.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikemiller

I did NOT know that last bolt hole wasn't a closed hole, that makes my task much much easier. I've tried u-joint sockets, 'wobbly' sockets, offset wrenches, you name it. I just bought & tried one of those ratcheting-box end wrenches but still a hair too fat to fit between the bolt and the back wall of the manifold. It's maybe a 3/8" gap.

What you need (IMO) is a specialty short slim open end or combination-

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-9...8048/207112408

Maybe the last guy left it loose because he didn't have the correct wrench style.

Early tappet wrenches were of this style (slim).

Oldmics · 05-21-2019, 08:47 PM

Grind down a "crowsfoot" and see if that would work.

Oldmics

CrownVic55 · 05-21-2019, 09:07 PM

The wrench that Dave and Miker are talking about is called a manifold wrench. Works great for that back bolt. Miker included a photo of one.
Ben

Mikemiller · 05-25-2019, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Again-

What you need (IMO) is a specialty short slim open end or combination-

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-9...8048/207112408

Maybe the last guy left it loose because he didn't have the correct wrench style.

Early tappet wrenches were of this style (slim).

That looks like just the ticket! I'll hit the H-D and get one today. I haven't been able to get back at it since I asked the question, so this will save me from sacrificing a wrench. Moving downstream to the heat control valve-muffler inlet pipe flange, I'm just gonna cut those bolts off with a Dremel. Fingers crossed!

Alaska Jim · 05-25-2019, 03:50 PM

I worked all my life as a professional mechanic. you would not believe how many wrenches there are in my tool box that have been modified for special applications. If I were having your problem, I would get a quality, but inexpensive wrench and take it to a grinder and grind it down until it was thin enough to fit, and if necessary, heat, bend, weld or cut the wrench as needed. then, the next time you need to do the job ( if ever ) you will have the correct tool. These special made tools always come in handy for other jobs also. not just the ones you made them for. ----- Jim --

KULTULZ · 05-25-2019, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

I worked all my life as a professional mechanic. you would not believe how many wrenches there are in my tool box

You have that right! Every new model year you had to have something new. Working multi-lines was very expensive. As for FOMOCO, I have SPECIALTY TOOLS from years ago that will never be used again unless you're into restoration/early service.

bobss396 · 06-04-2019, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miker98038

Like this?

https://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/im...ei=600&wid=600

Aka a starter wrench.

miker98038 · 06-04-2019, 08:35 PM

Bob, you jarred an old memory. I knew that once. It was buried back with tappet wrenches and monkey wrenches.

05-19-2019, 11:20 PM	#1
Mikemiller Junior Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 5	can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Greetings, on my 57 Fairlane Sunliner 312 cid I can't get access to the exhaust manifold bolt, passenger side, nearest the firewall. It's behind a down-tube of the manifold, too tight of a fit to allow socket. And too close to the firewall/fender well to allow a box or open-end wrench to be turned. Really don't want to pull the engine if I can possibly help it. The bolt's not frozen, in fact it's slightly loose -- I just can't get a wrench on it to tighten or remove it. On a 1 - 10 scale of mechanics, I'm about a 3.5 so what may be an obvious solution is eluding me. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

05-19-2019, 11:39 PM	#2
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,779	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Hmm, don't recall that bolt being a problem, but can't remember what wrench I used. May have been a half-moon box end. Try that or a crow's foot.

05-20-2019, 12:09 AM	#3
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt You should be able to get an open end wrench on it. The manifold may be in front of it but it's clear from the top unless your '57 is a LOT tighter than my '55. Maybe try one of those ratcheting open ends. I'll have a look at mine in the morning... Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 05-20-2019 at 12:15 AM.

05-20-2019, 02:25 AM	#4
JimNNN Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 522	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Is the heater stuff creating access problems?

05-20-2019, 07:41 AM	#6
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,060	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) if your trying to remove the manifold you dont need to remove it.just slide the manifold ahead as this is open.

05-20-2019, 12:49 PM	#7
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt I can get a 9/16" box end wrench on the last bolt, altho it is tight. maybe with a shorty wrench would be easier. I didn't try it but it looks like I could get a socket with a universal joint on it. Remember this is on a '55. Darrel is correct, that bolt does not need to come all the way out in order to remove the manifold.

05-20-2019, 09:56 PM	#8
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt I have always used a 9/16" box end wrench that has a wraparound handle. Don't know what they are officially called. Sorry don't have photo of them.

05-20-2019, 10:08 PM	#9
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,397	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Like this? https://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/im...ei=600&wid=600

05-21-2019, 10:15 AM	#10
Ole Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Michael, Minnesota Posts: 1,713	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt https://shop.harborfreight.com/media...7/97383_W3.jpg These is the handiest wrenches I ever bought.

05-21-2019, 11:23 AM	#11
tjaybo Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 55	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Mike that bolt is problematic, You have to loosen all the bolts and pull the manifold back a little at a time to get it out. When installed in the car I had to use a custom ground cut off stubby wrench. Once the other bolts are out you can slide the manifold forward 1/2 inch and it will slide off the bolt. Good luck

05-21-2019, 06:44 PM	#12
Mikemiller Junior Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 5	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Thanks for the quick replies, I appreciate it! I did NOT know that last bolt hole wasn't a closed hole, that makes my task much much easier. I've tried u-joint sockets, 'wobbly' sockets, offset wrenches, you name it. I just bought & tried one of those ratcheting-box end wrenches but still a hair too fat to fit between the bolt and the back wall of the manifold. It's maybe a 3/8" gap. I'll keep trying; many of you have done it, I reckon I've just not stumbled onto the precise tool/angle-of-approach combination yet. Heck, now I can slide that manifold off, I may just hang this new ratcheting box-end onto the bolt before I slide the manifold back on. I'll be able to tighten the bolt, and just torch off the wrench when I'm done! Sacrificial wrenches - gotta get cheaper tools for that role!

05-21-2019, 08:47 PM	#14
Oldmics BANNED Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Balto.Md Posts: 382	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Grind down a "crowsfoot" and see if that would work. Oldmics

05-21-2019, 09:07 PM	#15
CrownVic55 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Collinsville, OK Posts: 171	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt The wrench that Dave and Miker are talking about is called a manifold wrench. Works great for that back bolt. Miker included a photo of one. Ben

05-25-2019, 03:50 PM	#17
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt I worked all my life as a professional mechanic. you would not believe how many wrenches there are in my tool box that have been modified for special applications. If I were having your problem, I would get a quality, but inexpensive wrench and take it to a grinder and grind it down until it was thin enough to fit, and if necessary, heat, bend, weld or cut the wrench as needed. then, the next time you need to do the job ( if ever ) you will have the correct tool. These special made tools always come in handy for other jobs also. not just the ones you made them for. ----- Jim --

06-04-2019, 08:35 PM	#20
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,397	Re: can't access passenger rear exhaust manifold bolt Bob, you jarred an old memory. I knew that once. It was buried back with tappet wrenches and monkey wrenches.