Hey EvoM, I need your help. I picked up the MHI 18k and I'm in the process of removing the OEM turbo. Well, there is one stud on the OEM turbo that I CAN'T get off. I've never hit a stud so stuck. It's one of the studs holding the exhaust manifold to the turbo. I would describe it as the stud in the rear passenger seat.(I hope that translates)


Well, I've got everything else for the manifold removed and now I'm ready to life it out. Most of the turbo is disconnected as well, fluids drained, lines plugged/pinched, etc... Here's what I've done so far. All of these attempts have applications of PB Blaster and/or WD40 between them.


1. two nuts to torque out
2. propane torch to heat it up
3. Welded a nut to the stud to remove it(Not the end of the world if I have to cut it off)
4. chisel + hammer at different angles to try and loosen it up.


I'm frustrated to the point that I'm going to call a professional out to freeze/drill it out. Has anyone else run into this, and if you have, what did you do?

 

eeek man sounds like you have tried all the different routes.. maybe a better torch to get it cherry red hot that would be the only thing that would work I would think besides cutting it.

 

I'm guessing you have the manifold unbolted from the head and the manifold is now only captive to this stud right? I'd prop the manifold up a bit so you don't scuff the flange, maybe slide some tape in there to plug the inlets on the turbo, grab a hacksaw blade, get in there and cut it flush on the turbo flange. That should let you get the manifold out and subsequently the turbo. If you need to get that stud remnant out of the turbo do that on the bench after you get it out of the car.

Hope this helps, I just did the same turbo swap last week so I hope I know what I'm talking about

Edit: Was also just thinking you have a gasket in there too so if you cut on top of the gasket you should be able to avoid damaging anything but the stud and the gasket. Good luck.

If you removed all the manifold to head studs instead you might be able to get it out without cutting the stud off too.

 

Had this same issue a while back. Nothing I did got that damn stud to move. Had to take it to a company that had a EDM machine and they got it out in 30 minutes.

 

This is pretty much where I'm at now. I am picking up some new dremel wheels on my way home today. I'm not super worried about the integrity of the stud or turbo. I bought the upgrade because my turbo seized so it needs a rebuild/repair regardless.

 

Find a local shop with a EDM. They can remove it and it won't harm the existing threads

 

works great

 

I tried this. This works great unless the stud is seized in which case all you'll do is just destroy the threads on the stud

 

I feel like if I needed to retain the stud I would pay the money for a specialized bit like this. Seeing as I don't, I'm just going to cut it between the exhaust mani and turbo and move on with the project.

 

It's only $10, heat the he'll out of the manifold and use the extractor with a impact and it will come out

 

If the turbo is already hosed, then my comment x2.

 

It's a good suggestion, but there's a few reasons I'm not doing this. It's not about the $10, it's about $10 I don't need to spend. I can't get any sort of ratchet on the stud/nut because of the exhaust runner on the manifold. AND I don't need to save the mounting hardware because I'm going to be replacing the entire unit plus converting to bolts.


Not to mention not owning any impact tools.

 

Any update? How did it go?

 

Unfortunately my weekend got away from me so I didn't put any work into it. I'm going to be picking up the new dremel wheels tomorrow after work probably. Today is the Florida Primary so I don't want to waste any time getting home from my office because the line is already going to be super long.