None of the bolts/ studs are very rusty. They all have 6 flat sides and the PO said the engine had been replaced 30K before I bought it, so about 60K ago these were replaced. Does the condition on the outside reflect the condition of the threads?  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bill Shawley 
  To: Cullen Stewart ; vanagon list 
  Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 10:25 PM
  Subject: RE: Exhaust studs

  Dude I was terrified to replace my exhaust after studying the archives and list,  I sprayed with PB a few nights and knocked on what I could get to with a hammer lightly.  No problems with the replacement and the difference betweent the beat generic exhaust and the fresh OEM is night and day.  Go slow and own it brother!
   
  Ryan
   
   
  > Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:42:33 -0400
  > From: cullberly@VERMONTEL.NET
  > Subject: Exhaust studs
  > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  > 
  > I have just replaced the intermediate pipe on my Westy and the stress of removing the old one has caused a crack in a primary pipe at the flange. Now it is time to tackle replacing the whole system. What sort of hell am I entering by pulling the exhaust bolts from the heads? So far I have only scrubbed them off with a brass brush and sprayed them with PB blaster a few times. Will heating the bolts with just a propane torch loosen the stubborn bolts or should I have the neighborhood welder hit them with the oxy torch?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Get ideas on sharing photos from people like you. Find new ways to share. Get Ideas Here!