'01 5.3ltr Manifold Bolt Replacing

[02xtreme]

Truck started ticking. I discovered 3 bolt heads broken off the manifolds.

 

How many bolts are there in total and what size? Are they expensive?

 

Is there anything I need to know about doing this job? Any tips on getting the bolts out - was thinking about vice grips and penetrating oil?

 

Hoping they don't break off flush with the head, or that could be disasterous!!

 

Thanks in advance.

[Norseman]

I don't have an answer for you on this but, I would also like to see what people have to say about this topic.

[99silverado1500]

If I was doing it I would weld a nut to the bolt and soak the crap out of them with oil and then go for it. You might be able to do it with the channel locks, but you twist the wrong way it might snap and you might have a big issue.

[Graembo]

My old one had started popping bolt heads like that. I never got around to a fix before trading it in, but have heard from others with same trucks that the nuts broke right off, right away and they had to pull the heads and send them to a machine shop to be removed. NOT FUN. Apparently the drivers side-rear bolt is unreachable with hand tools.

 

Hope this isn't the case with yours. But the bolt heads pop due to a poor choice in metal material by the General, so any further yanking at this age (6+ years now) probably can't be too good for them!

 

G

[02xtreme]

Just called the dealer. $10.25 per bolt..crazy!! Its an M8x1.25x30mm. Local supplier has M8x1.25x25mm automotive bolts for 27 cents...its the exact same quality/hardness etc. just treaded all the way and .5mm shorter - can I get away with using them?

 

Any online parts places that I can try?

 

I can't find any aftermarket companies that carry these bolts.

[99silverado1500]

Id get the right one or size, to avoid any issues.

[svensk]

Can you show us a picture of what bolts you are talking about? I would like to look at mine...

[mi.bowtie]

If your bolt head size is 13 mm on the exhaust manifold, you have no problem. If it 10mm, replace. I think there is a Document on that.

[02xtreme]

If your bolt head size is 13 mm on the exhaust manifold, you have no problem. If it 10mm, replace. I think there is a Document on that.

 

Mine are the 10mm. I can't find replacements anywhere but the dealer, but I'm having a hard time chalking up $10.25 + tax per bolt!! From what I can see there are 12 in total. Gaskets are available aftermarket, but these bolts for some reason are not//

[mi.bowtie]

Try gmpartsdirect.com . Ifyou have the part number it will make it easier.

[jrrod2004]

Just called the dealer. $10.25 per bolt..crazy!! Its an M8x1.25x30mm. Local supplier has M8x1.25x25mm automotive bolts for 27 cents...its the exact same quality/hardness etc. just treaded all the way and .5mm shorter - can I get away with using them?

 

Any online parts places that I can try?

 

I can't find any aftermarket companies that carry these bolts.

 

 

http://www.boltdepot.com/default.aspx

 

that is where I usually order mine if I cant find it locally

[jrrod2004]

they dont have the 30mm only 35mm and up

 

 

http://www.boltdepot.com/product.aspx?cc=2...=22&cd=1328

[tyguy1972]

Just stumbled across this post. Earlier this spring I found bolt head in the driveway in the exact spot my engine compartment is usually occupying. It was obviously a GM bolt .. flanged head. A quick inspection pointed towards exhaust manifold bolt. Sure enough it was the driver's side, closest to the firewall. Ahhhggggggg! No leak so no fix for now. It was fortunate that I had the broken bolt head. I can tell there's a significant amount of bolt remaining beyond the head to grip without drilling/easy out. I am pretty disappointed in the material quaility. Makes me wonder about rod bolts, mains, torque converter, etc...

[jrrod2004]

Can anyone tell me if that is going to be a problem with the 2006 year model (i might just find the excuse to replace the stock manifolds with performance headers and replacing the bolts with the highest grade bolts I can find)