Seized manifold/downpipe bolts!

[Xtrhardcore]

So when i brought the car it had a de-cat pipe in it. Well, i say de-cat the cats been chopped and pipe been welded!
So its a noisy mare right now and i've got a completely new downpipe + Cat to put in but the nuts that connect the manifold and the downpipe is down right welded together! I've tried everything and cannot seem to budge them! two nuts are now rounded and dont want to attempt the rest just yet.

Any top secret tricks i can have to get these bolts off?

 

[terryuk]

sounds like you have a good problem are you doing it from the bottom or have you took the inlet manifold off and doning it from above ?

[Xtrhardcore]

doing it from the bottom at the minute putting my long extension bar and ratchet up to the bolts

[terryuk]

iv done that same job you are now its a pig made even worse if you are doing it off axle stands like i did took me hours ...
i dont know if you read but i changed my turbo at the weekend and thought here we go with the exhaust again but took me about 2 mins to get off and put back on so easy from above .. i know it looks like a lost to take out but it dont take long take the inlet off it should be 6 alan key bolts also the air pipe from the box , and its all there easy as you like .
i think its better to go that way at it now than snap or screw up the studs in the outlet manifold ..

if you still cat shift it from above cut the stud level with the nut then cut a good grove in the nut and stud and get a screw driver on it or better a impact driver , hopefully you will bring the studs out with the nut and then just replace them . hope this helps

[Xtrhardcore]

Thanks mate! I'll give this a go and let you know how i get on. Bring on the weekend haha!

Tah 

[terryuk]

no probs

[topher]

i'm confused..

is one of you talking about a 1.8 n/a and the other talking about a tdi? little bit different

[terryuk]

yea im talking about my tdi si there much diffrence between how you get at the back of the engine ?

[dan2252]

what type of sockets you using? you wont want multi point things think there 12?they round easy plenty of spra, if that fails your gonna need a irwin socket but they will ruin your nuts but will get them off

[Xtrhardcore]

oooo well im talking about my 1.8 n/a, is there much difference?

Im using just normal sockets to be honest, not worried about ruining the nuts as ill put new ones on with the new pipe and gasket.