Figured out engine tick but need advice for the repair

[INBrett]

I have a 2005 Ram 1500 with 5.7L.  Found out it has a broken bolt between the manifold and gasket.  Dealership wants $1800 because they will put a new head and manifold on it.  I am ordering everything through Rock Auto for just over $500.  My buddy says we should just try and remove all bolts and try to save the head.  I am thinking since I will already have a new head on hand, we should just replace it.  Been driving like this for a little while and it is getting a little worse.  So do I need to plan on just replacing the head or try to get bolts out and only replace the manifold?  Please advise.

Thanks, Brett

[kenz]

Is this a broken exhaust manifold bolt or a intake manifold bolt? Either way I wouldn't write off the head just yet. Since it sounds like you are planning on pulling the head anyway, I would try removing the broken bolt. Don't know for sure but I am assuming that it's a cast iron head and not aluminum? Broken exhaust bolts/studs are pretty common actually, especially when you try and remove them. Should be able to remove the broken one and replace it with out to much trouble. One of them jobs that's rates pretty high on the finesse chart. Take your time. If not to sure about it, take the head to a mechanic/machine shop and they should be able to remove it quite easily and quickly. Definitely cheaper than a new head. 

[NickBeek]

I would at least attempt to remove the broken bolt before I removed the head.


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[INBrett]

Finally received all of my parts from Rock Auto (just in case) so I had them on hand.  Pulled exhaust manifold off.  Had two bolt heads broken off and one bolt broken off flush with head.  The two studs came out very easily.  Then held a nut over the broke off stud and welded through the hole and onto the stud.  Let it cool and it backed out very easily.  The dealer said they would not even try to remove broken bolts because they never have any luck so it was going to cost $1800 and take over a day.  Did the job in about 3 hours and only cost $140.  Runs great now.  Just have to return everything but better to have on hand in case I needed them.   Thanks

[NickBeek]

Glad to hear it worked out well for you.


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