Im working on a 2010 Cobalt with the 2.2 engine non turbo. Exhaust manifold is cracked but I haven't gotten anywhere with removing it. Im working with no lift or power tools. There'* 3 15mm studs on the flange from manifold to exhaust pipe and about 8 13mm studs holding it to the block. I used a propane torch to heat it and managed to remove one at the flange. The next one snapped off. The angle at the flange doesn't allow for a large breaker bar, even from underneath the car so I'm using a swivel head 3/8 ratchet and/or wrenches. Nothing will budge. What would be done differently at a shop? would the engine be lowered to allow better access? Any help is appreciated.

More than likely a shop would use acetylene torches to heat them and a impact.

So I'm assuming they would drop the engine? The idea seems so unnecessary and time consuming for a manifold that is accessible from the top but there'* no way an impact is reaching any of the studs as it is.

Have you used a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster on the studs and nuts and given it time to work? I learned from an old farmer years ago that panther **** as he called it is indispensable in any tool box.

2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS

I dont see the engine being dropped. Extension and swivels come in handy. And if it dosent work. Heat and wrench. Most techs are flat rate and wanna make money so easyiest way is best. so they would not wanna drop engine unless absoultly have to.

Soaking the exhaust nuts with penetrating oil and using an impact or breaker bar with extensions does the trick. Most severe ones I heat and apply a wax candle to the stud. The wax acts like a lubricant. With the broken studs , I weld a nut to the end of the stud. Beats drilling em out.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I actually have not tried PB Blaster even though that should have been my first move. I spent a full day, about $60 in tools and another $40 for a used manifold and only got the heat shield plus 1bolt out so by the time it started getting dark I wasn't feeling so sure of myself. Given my work schedule I'm not sure whether I'll try again or have my mother in law just take it in. Either way I appreciate the knowledge.

The job itself isn't that bad. Hardest part is breaking the exhaust nuts loose.

yeah liquid wrench. A story I can relate to yours. I was removing the crossover exhaust on my Impala 3.4L Impala to replace the thermostat. The studs screw into the manifold exhaust port and go through the crossover and held on by nuts, there were 3 studs. I started to turn the first one, I thought the nut was turning actually it was the stud twisting, the stud snapped, I got so mad I broke the second one off. LOL not a good day. Luckily there is a Chevrolet dealership near by that has an open parts dept on Sunday. I bought 3 studs and 3 nuts. Before I left I squirted the last one with a nut and the 2 broken studs where they went into the manifold, when I got back the other nut came right off and the broken studs came out.