I was attempting to remove the exhaust from the cat converter all the way to the tail pipe but i want to keep the cat converter on. Im using a 2001 chezy blazer 4 door and i just cant seem to find the right wrench to take the bolts off i tried a 15mm and it seemed too big and kept slipping. I went down to a 14mm and it was too small. Im pretty sure it has gridlock on it. Any suggestions on how to get this off without cutting or breaking the exhaust?

 

Vice grip with an extention on the end of it.... or ty a different socket... as in the 1/4 INCH SIZES....

 

It must be in SAE sizes not metric. Maybe the hardware was changed to SAE when the original exhaust system was changed out at some point in the past.. But the reality of any exhaust is the combination of extreme heat cycles and road rust esp. with salt added, the exhaust manifold bolts will 'rust weld' and break off when you crank down on them. If penetrants such as Kroll or PB Blaster don't work, use the heat treatment---very cautiously Watch the 'you tube channel for 'South Main Auto' located in upstate NY. Eric O deals with this problem every day. He frequently mentions having a 15 mm bolt 'rust down' to a 13mm size. He takes a 3 lb. sledge and hammers the 13 mm socket onto the rusty nut. What part of the world are you in ? Where did the vehicle come from ?

 

im in North Carolina and i bought the car from a friend at work. it has about 191,800 miles on the car... i attempted all from 15mm - 13mm including 11/16 and 9/16 it was either slightly too big or slightly too small.

 

I agree with Jim. Those bolts can rust down. Soak it with a penetrating oil for a couple days, then clean it as best you can with a wire-wheel, and hammer a 14mm socket onto it. Buy a sacrificial one if you need to. Then replace the nuts (and bolts too if needed) when you put the new exhaust on.

 

update i just grabbed a grinder and just cut the bolts off and bought new ones thanks for the help guys i appreciate it

 

Probably the fastest and most reasonable solution. Glad you got it sorted.