Exhaust Manifold Bolts

[Bruce Brogan]

98 Ford Expedition/ 4.6L V8 I have to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets, and since I’ve had the pleasure of doing this before on various Ford motors of the same genetics, I am Familiar with the pain the bolts are. My Question, I’ve heard of guys wrapping the threads with plumbers Teflon tape, which make the bolts easier to break free. Any one ever use this method?

Topic

[college man]

I have not but give it a try.

[James P Grosso]

never hear of using tape? Anti-seize and maybe teflon paste if going into a water jacket.

[Mike]

That isn’t a good application for teflon tape. What you need is a high-temperature anti seize compound. The stuff I have has copper flakes suspended in a high temperature synthetic grease. Works like a charm, and a little goes a long way. I “liberated” a 1/2 pint can of it more than 20 years ago when I was working on aircraft, and I doubt I’ll reach the bottom of the can in my lifetime.

[Author]

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