MaverickFL

Removing intake manifold on 94 LT1. Trying to get the effing EGR pipe off the back. Got the top bolt off. I've been at it for seems like hours and I can't get the bottom bolt coz the freakin EGR pipe is in the way of the ratchet. Can't get the EGR pipe out of the way coz getting the bolts off the exhaust side are even worse. What twisted sadistic ****** designed this ****???

I've tried about everything I can think of. tried going with an extension from the back and threaded underneath the pipe, but can't get more than 2 fingers leverage and it won't break free. Can't get anything bigger than a 1/4" ratchet back there. Tried moving the pipe but it doesn't really budge and I'm really afraid it'll kink or break on me if I push it too much.

Its one of those star pattern bolts, I'm guessing that's stock coz I doubt I anyone in their right mind would put that there on purpose.

Has anybody dealt with this or have some ideas?? I can't find any threads on this so clearly I'm the only moron who can't figure this out but could use some help.

3 pedal SS

iTrader: (1)

A gear wrench works wonders in tight spots. Go buy one,you will be amazed what a difference it is to use the right tool That is a 12pt head I believe,not an external Torx. On second look,that looks like a stud.(havent had EGR in years)...Still recommend the correct gear wrench. ****EDIT****

MaverickFL

It is a stud actually. I was thinking something like that would be helpful but didn't realize they made them for torx heads. I'll be headed for sears in the morning, hopefully it will fit

JC316

iTrader: (1)

It's just a stud with a nut on it. Appears to be a 10mm or 13mm nut. Just get a swivel neck ratchet wrench. You can get them at lowes, home depot, or sears.

im-not-guilty

iTrader: (4)

Take the nut 13mm nut off .... Leave the stud alone ....
Even if you can get some leverage .... Most timely the tipof the stud will,bust off if you don't crack the nut free 1st

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Nut looks too stripped to use the proper size. A 12pt socket may work on the stud. If not, get a small pair of vice grips on it. It shouldn't be on all that tight.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

I agree.

Correct.

shbox

EGR nuts are 1/2". They are not metric.

ThoR294

iTrader: (6)

I swear if this is true I hate car manufacturers... i thought at that point they were all metric sizes by that point. minus brake lines.....

MaverickFL

yeah, had a gear wrench for the nut, couldn't get it on because the egr pipe is in the way and ended up stripping that first, which is why I needed to get the stud out. I think the only thing that could work on it is an open end or crows foot if it isn't overtorqued like mine was.
Anyway, didn't want to go buy a $30 torx wrench and then have that not work so I put the car up on the stands this morning and went at it from below to get the other end of the pipe. Wasn't easy but 3 extensions, a wobbler, a crows foot, plus the torque of my air gun broke the nut loose from the exhaust manifold side, now I can just thread the whole thing out with the intake and replace the stud and nut.

MaverickFL

WTF??! No wonder I stripped it. Any idea where I can buy a replacement stud?

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Did you round off the nut, or strip the stud?

shbox

Any 5/16-18 stud material will work.

MaverickFL

Both For the record, it is an E7 Torx head stud and 1/2" nut. They are the same for the egr pipe and the egr solenoid. Once I got the intake off it turned out it wasn't stripped all that bad, just overtorqued and maybe a little seized from the heat. It took some serious muscle to get off, more leverage than I probably could get from under the cowl.....It also helps to have the right size wrench on it

Anti seize is a necessity for those nuts/studs.

MaverickFL

Thanks for the info.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

Greatest wrenches EVER:

97lt1camaro

iTrader: (3)

What is that called exactly and where can I find them!?

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

Sears Craftsman has them but they're made by GearWrench. The Craftsman sets don't cover EVERY size so I completed my set(s) with GearWrench versions off ebay.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Well, "shbox", on my car, a '96, a 1/2" socket will fit, but it's loose. A 13 MM socket fits better. Although I've had my manifold off several times, and recalled (so I thought) it was a 13 MM, I just went out to the garage to verify it....

shbox

That doesn't make any sense, since a 13mm socket is bigger than a 1/2" (12.7mm) one. So, the 13mm should be even more loose.

The stud is SAE thread. It would not have a metric nut. Perhaps manufacturing tolerances are playing a role, here.