I was planning on replacing my exhaust manifold gaskets today, and half way through removing the main bolts on the manifold i found some broken studs. I realize using a helix - insert / easy outs fixing this issue is possible. I, however dont have a lot of time/energy. Does anyone know what a mechanic might charge for this job/what to expect?

Moreover, is it worth taking it in instead of doing myself?

 

I've gotten qoutes from 450-600.
I did it myself for 75(that includes studes, nuts, and tools.)

You'll ne a right angle attatchment for your drill and bits. Along with a couple INDUSTRIAL GRADE ez outs. I took out 8 studs with one easy out, gotta be really careful or they'll snap.

 

i got far yesterday but got stuck at removing the a/c compressor. The bolt for the idler pulley is stripped / permanent. At that point I put everything back together.

 

Oh god... You should get someone else working on it.

 

I still don't have the studs to replace them yet. I dont want to leave my car on stands for 4 days this weekend while i'm waiting for the parts to ship. So, in the meantime I want to get an idea of the project's worth. If it's not worth taking to a mechanic what's the most convenient method to make it easier?

 

the easiest method is just as realgoon9 said. the mechanic will rape you, so your best choice is to keep on going and fix it yourself. a little setback like a stripped bolt can't keep you from finishing a project like this. parts for this job shouldn't need to be shipped in, you can find most at the local parts store and the studs at a dealer. remember, helicoil inserts should be last resort. if you can drill close to a straight line, it will be simple to extract your busted studs with an easy-out set. i know you said you don't have time and energy to fix it. but if you don't wanna pay, you'll have to learn to overcome your defficiency.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...Picture211.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...Picture209.jpg

this is what you are talking about right??????? if so, i got gaskets for about $100 and all you need is an allen key 8 mm i think......you should torque it to spec and make sure you tighten them correctly....if this helps..great!! if this is not what you are talking about, sorry, just trying to help out a fellow .orger!

 

That is your intake manifold....

 

Intake, exhaust Whats the Differance?!?

 

oops, sorry i was thinking the wrong thing...sorry guys...well does anybody have pics, LOL now i feel stupid.....

 

http://www.forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=429836