Exhaust Manifold

[Winbub21]

Hello All - So it appears I have cracked passenger side exhaust manifold or leak somewhere near the top bolt closest to pipe connection. So Ford tells me $2300 to replace and I say to myself I can do this crap for much less. Bought manifold, gasket and bolts for about $500 and went to work. After pulling first five top bolts out with ease I thought damn I’ll have this done in a few hours..... lmao... got two bottom end bolts off but then realized I couldn’t access the bottom middle 3 bolts and I was stuck and couldnt find any tips or tricks online as to how to get to lower bolts——- so exhaust manifold 1 and me 0. Anybody out there have any experience with this on 2014 ACE 29.2? Any advice would be much appreciated and worthy of hefty reward��.

Thanks,
Jason

[Lt Keefer]

The knowledge of how to do it is probably why Ford wanted $2300.00.

[HarryS]

On the 2006, in the service manual, the first step is With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist

[Winbub21]

Originally Posted by HarryS

On the 2006, in the service manual, the first step is With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist

LMAO! Yea, not a good sign.

[Winbub21]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

The knowledge of how to do it is probably why Ford wanted $2300.00.

Might be right. I have calls out to several light truck/RV mechanics in the area - nothing back yet. Awfully frustrating.

[ducksface]

I don't know what year or miles your vehicle is.
Beau will probably be able to get more exact than I can but if it's a leak you heard and haven't ascertained from what:
Which spark plug hole did the v10's blow out the threads when they had that problem?

[abjbrtd]

Here's a YouTube F250, it might help.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PnXu1tLJT8M

Ford will always be higher than a local shop.

[Winbub21]

2014 ACE 29.2 with 62K miles...

[Travelin' Texans]

Maybe it's like Ford pickups, the cab has to be removed or lifted to get heads &/or some other engine components removed.
Had Ford trucks, V8s & V10s, at work that seemed to all have spark plug & exhaust manifold issues.

[HarryS]

I think it's more to get under the vehicle with the ability to move around and get the best angle.

[ducksface]

It's been a few of days to think about it all.
What's the deal?

[MaceMan]

For not too much more take it to Banks performance or one of their authorized shops and put on the turbo charger! Quieter, more horsepower and torque. Has to have a new tune also but runs terrific!

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by MaceMan

For not too much more take it to Banks performance or one of their authorized shops and put on the turbo charger! Quieter, more horsepower and torque. Has to have a new tune also but runs terrific!

I'll like to see a link.
I've never seen a banks turbocharger kit for a v10.
They have a wonky exhaust and intake boy racer kit I'm aware of.

[beacoal]

Is there a chance that you could undo the motor mounts and lift the motor up a little with a jack to get at the remaining studs Al

[Winbub21]

Yea, that may be the route I'll have to go - or maybe cut a hole in the sheet metal - not sure yet. I'm not going to be able to get under there and do this till middle of September. I will be sure to post what I ended up doing to get to these buggers. BTW, I called 5 other light truck/heavy mechanics and not one of them returned my calls or emails. What does that tell you? haha...

Thanks all for the input! Appreciate it.

-Jason

[2thdoc]

Had similar issue with 2006 Winnebago Outlook 29B with ~60K miles. Took it to Ford Truck dealer here in St Louis who pulled the engine to complete the repair. The extended warranty coverage paid for the actual repair w/o pulling the engine so I think I paid close to $1K extra. Was told he used a stainless steel bolt or manifold(not sure which one) if I recall as the factory originals were the problem.
Good luck tackling the project.

[Jetoneusaf@gmail.com]

All of them. So frequently I change them buy the road side.

[Jetoneusaf@gmail.com]

Get a good set of universal swivels and some extra extensions. Thin blade open box end wrenches. Get creative.

[Winbub21]

Alright gang, I got it done with help from father in law who had the right tools and the know-how to make this happen (rebuilds old dozers and backhoes). Wasn't easy, and it took some time, but we got it done and saved about $2K. Hardest part was getting the exhaust pipe to line up with new manifold - didn't just slide on. Don't need to jack up the engine to get this done (at least on passenger side) ...And yes, I went back in and tightened everything down after taking for a good run. Saw in uptick in power and fuel efficiency and just overall smoother sounding engine. We could not find a crack in the manifold so probably just bad gasket. Oh well... see how long this lasts. Thanks everyone for your input!

[abjbrtd]

WOW good job
Congratulations