Exhaust flange studs

This depends on if you can get the stud out. These studs are pressed in and are not easy to get out. However, if you can get the stud out of the manifold then it is fine to just use a bolt or repair kit. Can you get a picture of the studs as they are and that will give us the ability to see what you may need to do in order to get them out?

Usually we need to heat the manifold to glowing red and then use an air hammer to put them out but again, let's get a picture and we can go from there. Thanks

They definitely help but unfortunately it changes what I would recommend. I would replace the manifold because I am not sure you will get those out. You first need to remove the o2 sensor and then the shield around the flange.

If you remove those then you will most likely have to use a torch to heat the flange up then use a hammer and push them out. You may be able to do this easier with it off the vehicle but if that were the case, I would just put a new one on.

I think you have enough threads left there that you don't need an air hammer with a punch bit but if you have one that may make it a little easier.

Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you can get this shield off that I am pointing to in this picture. If you can the o2 needs to come out just to make sure you don't damage it. Then I would give it a shot.

Sorry. I meant you have enough thread sticking out that you should be able to hammer them out. These are going to hammer out the back of the flange but all that is moot if the shield doesn't come off. Not only is this a hard repair to start but doing it in the vehicle, I would think is next to impossible. So I would suggest just removing it and then make the decision on if you can remove them or just replace it.

Clearly it is not desirable but I suspect it would be much less aggravation in the long run.

You can but that is not a reliable repair. Some people will do it but I have not heard of anyone doing something like this and saying it has lasted. They normally do it and then when I ask some time later how that type of repair held up, the normal response is about 3 months.

If it were me, I would want to do it right but if this vehicle is not going to be driven much or at least long distances then that may hold up for longer. Basically it just turns into a personal decision but if you do it, I would prepare to do the actual repair at a later date when this starts to leak.