Exhaust manifold bolts breaking in 6.0 vortec

[pirate]

Hi, This forum stuff is new to me. I have a question on my 2004 6.0 vortec sub.
I have recently found 4 broken exhaust manifold bolts (2 on each side). Every thing is tight and fairly quiet. (108,000 miles). This is a $1200. fix at the dealer and they say it it common problem. Has anyone in the forum experienced this in the past.

 

[svfdfireman]

Hey Pirate...Good to meet you...As I am perusing this forum due to water pump issues for my own Suburban (2001 Suburban 2500 LT 6.0L I bought used in 2003 with only 34,000 miles on it and now has 138,500 with a lot of towing my Travel trailer to hell and back) I too, have had the unfortunate experience with the same exhaust manifold bolt issue. About a year ago I could hear what sounded like an exhaust manifold leak when starting the engine. After the engine warmed up the sound would disappear due to the metal heating up and expanding and sealing/quieting the noise. I took it to my mechanic who used to work for my father inlaw (who is an 81 y/o retired mechanic) and I trust. He found the same problem. Sorry about the rambling, but I'm just trying to convey that I'm not just some dude with no background/experience with Suburbans. But finally to my point...Yes, I had two broken bolts on my passenger side exhaust manifold. At the time I did some Google-ing and found this not to be an uncommon issue. As far as the repair price goes...... I'm not a mechanic, (but I probably do a little more of my own work than most) but this was something that I didn't want to tackle. If my memory serves me right, I think my mechanic did the job for around $800. Maybe a 2nd opinion might be in order. Yes, it is still an expensive repair. Also, might not be a bad time to have both sides checked, as now I can hear the same familiar sound on the driver side as well. Hopefully doing both sides at the same time will save you another shop/labor charge. I just wish I would have had both mine checked/repaired at the same time.

Post back and let me know what you find out.

Good Luck,

Svfdfireman

P.S. Just Re-read your original post about "Broken Bolts on Both Sides" Sorry

 

[pirate]

Svfdfireman, Thanks for the comebck. I think I will run it for a while. When the time comes I'll will take it to a dealer. The thought of aluminum heads and steel bolts is enough to have a pro repair it. Thanks.

 

[butch86]

Exhaust maifold bolts i will tell you are no fun at all depending where they break off! If they break off in the cylinder head or a little piece is sticking out. From all the heat exanision and contraction those bolts see i am not suprised they all didnt break. You have to drill each bolt out usually so yes its a costly fix.

all the cheap bolts coming in from china now adays. Give the guys at http://arp-bolts.com/ a call see if they have bolts that wont break again.

What you do not want to do is let that exhaust leak go for to long. I have worked in machine shops doing cylinder heads and what will happen is the valves will burn up due to cold air getting in.

I wouldnt go to the dealer unless its under warranty, they will always make big money off of you .

Just my .02 cents

 

[cummins1989]

ive found on all gm 6.0 heads have this problem normally the one closet to the fire wall breaks. i have seen them brake and not leek only if none in the center have broken off. you can get them out with a good pair of vice grips or stud puller if there not broken flushed to the head you can get those out broken flushed in the truck remove the tire splash shield and i shaft if your worken on the driver side i use a right angle drill dermal tool and a bur grinder to get them out. it is easer to get them out if you remove the head Iam a mechanic by trade and I've had customers not want to pay to pull the head and I've left the one in eather end of the head and repaired the center and they do not leak be careful not to drill to far into the head and hit the water jacket. i drill the hole over size or use a heli coil. i forgot to mention you do have to remove the manifold if you are dilling them out in the truck and if you live in the salt belt like in maryland i heat the nuts at the collector to get the manifold out those are a pain to get out if those break.