Exhaust Manifold Stud Oil Leak

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by 1991ZR1

...snip...
Anyone working on the manifold bolts needs to be careful not to drop the bolt into the manifold or the area next to the steering coupler. I spent quite a bit of time trying to fish them out with a magnet before I figured out that they are not magnetic.

Ah yes, the dreaded "where did it go"?
I have one that dropped into a hole in the frame rail.
At least it doesn't rattle in there.

A thorough engine cleaning is the best for locating leaks.
Else shotgunning all fasteners is next I suppose.

[Corbusa]

" Anyone working on the manifold bolts needs to be careful not to drop the bolt into the manifold or the area next to the steering coupler. I spent quite a bit of time trying to fish them out with a magnet before I figured out that they are not magnetic. "
Thanks for that info.. !!! That would be a B....

[tpr60]

Bin there done that!!! Stuff shop rags in the ex manifolds for that pain in the butt relief.

[Fully Vetted]

Originally Posted by tpr60

Stuff shop rags in the ex manifolds for that pain in the butt relief.

You know they sell ointment for that...

[Cal55]

I'm just curious if you ever found the leak? I've developed a leak too on the passenger side. It seems very minor I only notice it after a cold start up, oil starts smoking off the exhaust manifold after a few minutes, after driving the car I don't notice any smoke at all.

[1991ZR1]

I haven't driven the car since January but this is how things went.

I put the driver side center stud back in with RTV sealant. If I had to do this job again, I think it could be done without removing the manifold. I would try backing all the bolts out and move the manifold away from the head as I remove the center nut. That would give more working space.

After I finished the driver side, I worked on the passenger side. It was much easier. I did not have to remove the manifold or any of the bolts. I did remove the check valve from the AIR tubes though.

After I finished both sides, I started up the car and let it run. After it warmed up, both sides started smoking. I just let it run and eventually all the smoking stopped.

Last week I started up the car again and let it run. There was no smoke from the driver side and a very light smoke from the passenger side which stopped after a short time.

I would have to assume there was some residual oil and the RTV on the studs repaired the problem.

[Cal55]

Thanks for the update, I appreciate it. I have to find out where my leak is coming from, it's very minimal right now. It was fine last summer, I noticed it when I started the car this spring. I'll have to jack up the car and see if I can spot the leak or take it in for an oil change and look for it when it's on a lift.
Joe

[SoCalZR1]

It may seem counter intuitive but I would also check the oil pan bolts. I went through all the usual culprits and did not find the source of my leak. The leak included oil on the driveway and light smoke visible with the associated smell.

Ultimately it turned out to be the front 6 bolts that were the cause of the leak. You will need to remove a couple of brackets that are in the way, and yes you can remove them temporarily to gain access. So far I have had no leaking simply from re-torquing them. If it ever comes back I will swap the oil pan gasket.

Hope that helps.

Mike

90 #961

[Cal55]

Thanks Mike,
That's good to know, I hope my fix is that easy. I probably won't be able to look at it until maybe next weekend. I don't see any oil on the garage floor so it must be a pretty minor leak.
Take Care,
Joe

[LGAFF]

Cam sensors can leak also from D/S