How to remove downpipe studs?

[scottbalmforth1120]

Hello all,

I'm doing a head gasket replacement on my '07 Lacrosse with the 3800 in it. I've gotten pretty far: I've removed the bullet dog bone mounts and pulled the engine forward with a ratchet strap for a little more room. I'm also having trouble getting the back three sparkplug shields and rubber boots off the old spark plugs as well since the people who had the car before me never changed them. Any tips or suggestions would be great for that as well.

But my main issue is getting these downpipe studs out. There's literally minimal amount of space to get tools and hands in there. Going through the bottom proved to be very difficult as I don't have a lift, just a jack and stands. I've sprayed them down with PB Blaster which helped but I'm still having a heap of trouble even getting them loose.

I'm also curious to know if the rocker arm bolts are reusable or are they tourqe-to-yield bolts like the cylinder head bolts? I ordered a head stud kit from ZZP for the rebuild. I have Fel-Pro gaskets for the heads. I really want to replace the whole exhaust, manifolds and all from ZZP. If I need to cut it out I will. Heater core hoses are being replaced so I cut them for room and so they'll be easier to remove.

Any rebuild tips are much needed and appreciated as I am doing this solo and have no one to help me personally.

Thanks!

 

[Smith1000]

Can you get in there with a 6 point socket and a breaker bar? Sometimes I heat them with a torch and then spray "Freeze" spray on them, which cools them rapidly. Another way is to heat them and then put ice on them to get them to break free. Try not to strip the nut. When I have stripped the nut, I used vice grips clamped on tight. The spark plug boots-I had to get a special tool to remove them on the 07 Lucerne I had. It was like they were welded on. The tool hooks on them just right and you can leverage them off.

 

[richardnewton]

On our 3800 Regal, we saw a youtube video of some fool climbing up on top of the engine to remove the rear spark plug wires.

That worked great for us. We got 2 of 3 out easily. That was enough for us as all 5 plugs looked great and we had no operating issues.

Needed to be careful of feet, knees etal. to not break anything. It is a bit more complicated to climb up on top of the engine with the top removed and rolled forward.

 

[scottbalmforth1120]

Can you get in there with a 6 point socket and a breaker bar? Sometimes I heat them with a torch and then spray "Freeze" spray on them, which cools them rapidly. Another way is to heat them and then put ice on them to get them to break free. Try not to strip the nut. When I have stripped the nut, I used vice grips clamped on tight. The spark plug boots-I had to get a special tool to remove them on the 07 Lucerne I had. It was like they were welded on. The tool hooks on them just right and you can leverage them off.

Was able to get the boots off with the pliers you guys were talking about! The metal hole-nosed pliers worked best. Ripped them right off after a little prying. As for the studs, I am stripping them but not too bad. I'm gonna try going from the bottom with my breaker bar.

Thanks!