I want to try to remove the y-pipe one more time before handing it to a mechanic (couln't get the header bolts loose). My spray penetrant wasnt helping any and I dont want to put enough force to break the stud with it, but I've heard that if you soak a bolt is Coca Cola, the phosphoric acid in it eats the rust and it should help removal alot. I do know for a fact that phosphoric acid does eat rust but I was thinking about getting the real acid (instead of coke), diluting it and let it soak into the bolts for maybe 15 min - 30 min....hoping some manages to eat into the rust/corrosion thats in the threads. What do you guys think of this? Obtaining the acid is no problem, but I just want to know if you guys think this might work?

 

You can use PB Blaster, bought at your local autozone for under $10. Let it soak overnight for best results (but probably could do with 15-30min)

 

I know I can use it, and that is what I used...didn't work....i need something to take care of rust

 

TTT, gunna try this tommorow, need your opinion

 

Here's a sad fact that those of us with older cars have found out: It's not the rust alone that's preventing you from removing the bolt, it's often that the bolt itself is completely fused (the bolt has become one with your exhaust) to your exhaust.

I too was planning a y-pipe install, but the only way to remove the bolts was to torch them off. Since I didn't have a torch, I ended up paying a muffler place to put the pipe in (cost me $70, shop around until you find one that will do it for a reasonable price). Three of the 8 bolts were completely fused on and had to be torched.

So, in reality, the y-pipe is not a self install if you've got a 95 or a 96 maxima. Not unless you've got a torch, that is, and a lift so that you have enough clearance to use the torch....

 

Ok thanks, thats enough to make me forget about doing it myself...

 

Yeah, sometimes it's not worth the fight. I soaked the bolts in PB Blaster every day for days and those bolts just wouldn't budge. I even ended up breaking the top off one! (By the way, they are 10mm self locking nuts and bolts, in case you do the same).

Good luck.

 

I have a 95 and mine came off in one turn of the wratchet. But then again I used to live in Atlanta.

 

Coca Cola doesn't remove rust at all.