removing exhaust pipe & not busting the manifold

[xbartx]

I have used a couple applications of penetrating fluid and I'm not getting the pipe to budge.
I'm trying not to exert to much force in fear of busting the manifold, I could easily apply more force, if breaking it with a pipe wrench was unlikely.
How strong are the manifolds?
-Brad

[Eugene]

On this site are some suggestions on removing the exhaust pipe.

While you search. Manifold off tractor and in vise. Cut off the pipe just above the manifold. Saws All and cut three slits inside the pipe down to or just slightly above the manifolds threads. Punch or chisel, bend in the pipe.

[xbartx]

On this site are some suggestions on removing the exhaust pipe.

While you search. Manifold off tractor and in vise. Cut off the pipe just above the manifold. Saws All and cut three slits inside the pipe down to or just slightly above the manifolds threads. Punch or chisel, bend in the pipe.

Thanks, I was hoping to just clean it up and paint the existing pipe. Maybe I will pull the manifold, leaving it attached to the pipe and clean and paint the whole assembly.

[Matt Kirsch]

IMHO, I wouldn't touch it unless it needs to be removed to replace the pipe or a manifold gasket.

The manifold bolts won't come out any easier than the muffler pipe, unless you have oxy-acetylene torch heat. At least one will twist off, then you'll either mung up the hole trying to drill it out or you'll break off the ez-out that you foolishly tried to use in the bolt.

Painting the manifold pipe is a waste of paint anyway. It will just burn off on the first run. Even the high-heat paint won't hold up because you can't bake it in the oven.