Missing nut and manifold leak

[VitaminCRR]

More issues with my semi-newly acquired 69 Roadrunner, 383 auto. I recently started hearing a ticking coming from drivers side rear exhaust manifold when cold. Looked around and noticed a nut missing from the stud on rear exhaust manifold port. It looks like the stud has been exposed for some time. Just wondering if that nut being missing would cause the leak. The rear bolt on that manifold seems to be tight so I don't know if just replacing the missing nut would fix the problem. Seems too easy a fix since every time I fix one thing on this car it leads to something else needing repair.

And since I'm here, is there a link or a place I can get new exhaust down pipes for my car? I'll need to replace my exhaust soon and can't find anything but the Magnaflow down pipes for $200. That seems like a lot of money for down pipes. Maybe not.

 

[dadsbee]

If you want correctly bent head pipes, ECS used mine to make their jig.
https://ecs-automotive-concepts.mys...-cid-engine-head-pipes?variant=34641658544289

 

[BeepBeepRR]

More issues with my semi-newly acquired 69 Roadrunner, 383 auto. I recently started hearing a ticking coming from drivers side rear exhaust manifold when cold. Looked around and noticed a nut missing from the stud on rear exhaust manifold port. It looks like the stud has been exposed for some time. Just wondering if that nut being missing would cause the leak. The rear bolt on that manifold seems to be tight so I don't know if just replacing the missing nut would fix the problem. Seems too easy a fix since every time I fix one thing on this car it leads to something else needing repair.

And since I'm here, is there a link or a place I can get new exhaust down pipes for my car? I'll need to replace my exhaust soon and can't find anything but the Magnaflow down pipes for $200. That seems like a lot of money for down pipes. Maybe not.

At best most of these cars are considered rolling restorations. Most people drive them until they break and now you know the weak point. Fix it and move on.. Its not a Prius and doesn't come with a 100k warranty.

 

[F4R/T]

Ecs is the best period.. not knocking someone’s system but I’ve got it myself and was spot on for RT. The look, the sound, the feel of it going together .. it’s right. IMO

 

[Longknife]

These big blocks originally came from the factory without any exhaust manifold gaskets. After many miles of heat , abuse and corrosion many do require gaskets to seal up the surface. If your engine has no gaskets a nut may be all you need. If gaskets have been installed it could be blown out and require replacement. If you remove the manifold and discover it is warped (with a straight edge) a good machine shop could resurface it for you!

 

[VitaminCRR]

Thanks for the responses and info. Are the manifold bolts/studs going to have a tendency to break on me? And, are the studs that are in the water jacket the ones on the ends?

 

[Don Frelier]

Yes they can snap off.
If you can, try them warm. Hit them with penetrating oil a few times over a couple days.
I saw a video recently where the guy suggested that after you break each one loose, tighten it back up before trying the next one.
It makes good sense. Then remove them all after you've broken all loose.
Sorry don't have a link for the video.
Yes the studs on the each end go into the water jacket so drain some coolant out first. A gallon should do it.