Easy way to remove OEM mufflers?

[ProEMTPFF]

Is there a easy way to remove the OEM mufflers off of my '86 coupe? I've been under the car for a hour now beating the crap out of those things trying to get them loose. Help please! I have new mufflers arriving tomorrow.

 

[Ken]

Congratulations! You've just joined the ranks of many people who have experienced the difficulties in removing aged exhaust components.

Heat is usually the best trick, but if that doesn't work, then more heat is required, as in a cutting torch.

Use lots of penetrating oil over a several day period and try it again. That is, if no heat is readily available.

 

[photovette]

Saws-all, just count your fingers when you're done.

 

[ProEMTPFF]

ALL the clamps are off. I've had it soaking, tried heating with a propane torch "that helped some, it helped it rotate a inch or so". There is a nice crease where the clamp was......is that whats holding me up?

 

[BruceBed]

Is there a easy way to remove the OEM mufflers off of my '86 coupe? I've been under the car for a hour now beating the crap out of those things trying to get them loose. Help please! I have new mufflers arriving tomorrow.

I had that problem. I torched them off. Sometimes the liquid wrench will loosen them up. It is a lot faster and less tedious to torch them. Good luck.

 

[Ken]

There is a nice crease where the clamp was......is that whats holding me up?

Yep. It's a *****, ain't it?

 

[ProEMTPFF]

Thinking of getting my Dremel, saws-all or Rotor Zip and cutting two "slots" one on each side of the pipe then prying some to loosen them up......what ya think?

 

[vetteboy86]

I still have the pain in my shoulder from when we did vettefan's new mufflers. The first one came off fairly easy, with alot of penetrating fluid and brute strength. The second side eventually was cut off. I would imagine if you use something more precision you can notch the muffler side of the pipe. This way you remove some tension, and prying could become more helpful.


Good Luck
Craig

 

[TriTown]

mufflers

I changed my "Y" pipe and reused my stock mufflers. A torch is the only way if you want to save them. Other wise an air cutting (wiz wheel) tool is the fastest way just cut a slice length wise on the muffler collar. Spread it with a big screw driver and it will pop right off. If you don't have the luxury of air tools go to the parts store and buy a muffler chisel. One that splits the pipe on the outside. It with a 5lb hammer behind it will split the pipe.
Good luck!

 

[Vettefan87]

I still have the pain in my shoulder from when we did vettefan's new mufflers. The first one came off fairly easy, with alot of penetrating fluid and brute strength. The second side eventually was cut off. I would imagine if you use something more precision you can notch the muffler side of the pipe. This way you remove some tension, and prying could become more helpful.


Good Luck
Craig

Yeah, I remember that, but don't do it like craig did and just rip on the mufflers up and down , now the rear Y coming put of the cat is a little bent making the pitch of the mufflers off which means they look like poop, Like Ken said the best way is to use a sedeline torch and be patient.

 

[RonJ]

Thinking of getting my Dremel, saws-all or Rotor Zip and cutting two "slots" one on each side of the pipe then prying some to loosen them up......what ya think?

You are right on the money!!! I have an air powered die grinder, runs 25000 RPM, I put a cutting disk in it, slash, slash, then wiggle, wiggle ..... off she comes!!!

Watch you don't get too deep and slash the pipe under the nipple!!

Ron ...

 

[ProEMTPFF]

You are right on the money!!! I have an air powered die grinder, runs 25000 RPM, I put a cutting disk in it, slash, slash, then wiggle, wiggle ..... off she comes!!!

Watch you don't get too deep and slash the pipe under the nipple!!

Ron ...

Used my "ZIP" saw, made two relief cuts on each pipe. A few wiggles and off they came. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!!!

 

[Edmond]

I sawzalled mine! I tried with the heat and Liquid Wrench but it wouldn't budge. Push came to shove and I had to saw it off.