Rod Bearing Pra-blame-O's!

[Fordlover96]

Alright guys, long time no speak. This morning I started my rod bearing replacement. I had to have the y-pipe to flex pipe bolts cut off and the other four bolts loosened at an Exhaust Shop. Does anyone know the size, or where I can get a kit of somekind, for those bolts that were cut off? And maybe the other bolts going to the manifolds? Thanks so much guys!!!!!!!

P.S., I have a felpro part # ES 72142 laying around but I don't think these are any of those bolts. The felpro kit bolts are big, have springs, and weird little wing nut looking things. Ugh. Haha

 

[sperold]

If your car is a V6, that felpro spring kit is the correct part.

The manifold bolts will be easy to match since you have the originals, there is a good chance they are metric, and someone here will know the size.
Use lots of never-seize on your bolts.
In the old days, the nuts on the studs going into the exhaust manifold were brass / bronze, but that seems to be out of style now.

Get a good picture of that spring set up that goes to your flex pipe, the spring goes at the head of the bolt kit and the small end is closest to the engine. Usually there is just enough length to get the nut on, if you have a friend push on the cat back piping, and keep that big, captured ****** straight when you tighten everything up.

 

[kevinspann]

I'm not sure that the ATX used the spring bolts. Not sure if there is a specific part number. I would just get whatever fits. More than likely metric M12xSomething.

The manifold studs are m10x1.5, I used Dorman/Help Part # 03101 from NAPA or wherever you can find them. Are you trying to get this job done this weekend?

 

[zoomlater]

SHOnut offers a set of full stainless steel exhaust stud fasteners set that are shown on the Shosource site.

 

[Fordlover96]

Hey guys, just crawled out from under my car to take a break lol. I might end up just taking one of the manifold studs, one came out instead of just the bolt, just go to try to find a new stud and some new bolts/nuts for the flex pipe connection. I just didn't know if they were a weird specific size or something, but I guess not.

And yeah, I am trying to at least this rod bearing change done thing weekend. I'm currently stuck getting the very most rear bolt holding the oil pan on. It's in a really weird position. Can't find an extension combination to get at it. Ugh lol.

 

[rubydist]

the studs for the exhaust manifold are pretty much unobtainium, but it turns out that there is a set from a little newer E150 van that works just fine. I don't recall the part number, but they are the proper metric size (M12, iirc) and approximately the right length. And since Ford made about a jillion of those vans, the parts stores are fairly likely to have them.

 

[AREA 91]

Hey guys, just crawled out from under my car to take a break lol. I might end up just taking one of the manifold studs, one came out instead of just the bolt, just go to try to find a new stud and some new bolts/nuts for the flex pipe connection. I just didn't know if they were a weird specific size or something, but I guess not.

And yeah, I am trying to at least this rod bearing change done thing weekend. I'm currently stuck getting the very most rear bolt holding the oil pan on. It's in a really weird position. Can't find an extension combination to get at it. Ugh lol.

1/4 inch drive socket, universal joint, and extension.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

We have replacement studs here: http://www.shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_43_78&products_id=495

 

[thegreatbriguy]

the studs for the exhaust manifold are pretty much unobtainium, but it turns out that there is a set from a little newer E150 van that works just fine. I don't recall the part number, but they are the proper metric size (M12, iirc) and approximately the right length. And since Ford made about a jillion of those vans, the parts stores are fairly likely to have them.

the f-150 are the same too. they are just a little longer on the nut side, but it's not like you are getting them off next time... well, probably not. i can't remember but i think i got the dorman, and no, they are not as nice as the original or SS.

 

[Fordlover96]

Just a little update. Got the pan off after some forceful "convincing." Holy crap that thing was stuck on there. Got all the new bearing lubed up, yes with assembly ****, and got them put back in. Just starting to put all the parts back on. Just about put the pan back on. Who ever said this is a couple hour job LIED. Lol

Also, the bearings were kinda surprising. All the bearings on the cap side were fine, a little wear but no copper. But the rod side bearings ALL had copper showing. This is with an ATX with about 83k miles on it. I'll post pictures later. The only thing I had to do to the car before winter is get the front valve cover off to try to clean up the Timing Chain Tensioner because I had a clacking noise coming from the part of the engine. Already tracked it down with a stethoscope to the tensioner **** of the valve cover.

Gonna let the RTV dry over night and then I gotta get that new stud and some Anti-Seize! I'm gonna check around for that dorman part, if not I have the stud in hand I'll just find one that matches!

 

[Fordlover96]

 

[Fordlover96]

One last question, I got it all put together. But I have an exhaust leak where the flex pipe and cats meet. Can get rid of it, no matter how much I tighten. Got any tips?

 

[rubydist]

the rod side is always the worst-looking, because the loading is from the piston pushing down...

you need a gasket between the y-pipe and the flex pipe - do you have one in there? maybe you need two on your case.
most likely, part of that gasket is broken/missing and providing an escape path for the exhaust gas.

 

[Fordlover96]

Sorry for the delay. Been caught up with school and work.

Now. Yes, the exhaust leak is where the y-pipe and flex pipe meet. Just gotta get another gasket for in there. I put a new one in, but maybe it's just too thin. Idk.

HOWEVER, I have an issue. (Yes, another one). At idle, there is something making a rattle. It's very intermittent. Sometimes I'll pull my car in the garage and I won't hear anything. Other times I'll go thru a drive thru and I'll hear it instantly. It does seem to be coming from the front of the engine, the passengers side.

I'll try to get a video or something of the noise soon.

Thanks again!!!!

 

[luigisho]

You check the heat shields on the cats for rattle? The metal attachment points are very thin & apt to break

 

[Fordlover96]

See, that's the thing. I don't really think it sounds like a heat shield rattle, but I will certainly true to see if it is loose or check the tightness of the bolts.

I'm just hoping it's not something internal. Or crank cancer. *crosses fingers*.

If I can get it to make the noise later, I'll post a quick clip.

 

[rubydist]

well, crank cancer was what came to mind as I read your description, so I would for sure put a wrench on the crank bolt and make sure it is tight.