Stubborn Exhaust pipe Bolt

[kauz]

I'm trying to replace the middle exhaust pipe (the one with flex pipe) on an 89 Camry, and I've got all the bolts off except for two. These two bolts fasten this pipe to the long pipe that goes to the muffler and they seem to be welded in place. I've rounded the head on one trying to turn it loose. Any suggestions short of taking it to a muffler shop?


Thanks,
Kauz

[Doctor J]

Prior to removal of such bolts you had to apply the pentrating solvent to the nuts and around the bolt heads for several days when exhaust system is around the 100 degree F (after brief warm up and soon after shut down).
Second, you had to use 6-point socket had on the bolts.
Now you can still try to chisel/ drill/ grind off the bolt heads to pull the thing apart.

[kauz]

I was using a 6-point socket, but because the bolt head wasn't very thick, it was easy to slide off the bolt a bit and round the corners. I was however able to knock out the bolt after cutting it with a grinder as you had suggested. So, it's all done and the kicker is that the two gaskets I bought from the Toyota dealer cost me more than the front exhaust pipe that I pulled off a car at la ocal salvage yard.

Kauz

[TBayToyotaBoy]

I'm assuming you mean the ceramic gaskets? Those shouldn't cost more than $5 or $6 each. If they're more, find another dealership. I've dealt with...hmm, let me think...three dealers here in Ontario for these gaskets and they all charged just a few bucks.

[kauz]

The back gasket was only $3 but the front one was $8. They were both essentially the same except the front gasket had a slightly larger diameter. Not sure why it cost so much more, it may have to do with the fact that they sell a hell lot more of the cheaper gasket (economy of scale).

So, the total for the gaskets was around $11. But I only paid $5 for the pipe which was in very good shape and looked like it had not been on the car for more than a few years. The price of a new aftermarket was around $130.

Kauz