2005 Expedition exhaust manifold access

[dthsmarsh]

Greetings all ... great forum. Fairly new to me 2005 Expedition Limited 4X4, 5.4 engine. Failed state inspection for passenger side exhaust manifold crack (amongst other things). They (local indy) want almost $900 to do the manifold job (right side only). I got a new manifold (Dorman) for under $100 at NAPA.

Looks like it's tough access (probably why so much $$ at the shop). I gained as much as I could above and below (battery, computer, etc. removed from engine bay and wheel liner, starter, etc. removed from underneath). I can at least "see" 6 of the 8 bolt/nuts, but the forward/lower 2 are still buried. I might be able to get a mirror and see them from above, but not sure how I can get some PB Blaster in there yet. Any advice? It seems like the shock/spring and engine mount are in the way and I can't see removing them easy.

I did get some PB Blaster on the other 6, and from what I can see they don't look horribly rusted ... I actually put a socket on the bottom rear nut and it turned without too much force.

Am I stuck sending it back to the shop? Thanks for any advice.

Dave

 

[WHOISMOOTOO]

only other thing i can say is remove the starter and go from underneath? me personally i'd take it to the shop.

 

[sgtowing]

If you have an engine hoist, unbolt the engine mounts and raise the engine a couple of inches to gain access. You can also put a floor jack under the engine but be VERY CAREFULL. You want to make sure you dont dent or crack the oil pan. Use wood to dispurse the weight on the pan if you go that route.

 

[dthsmarsh]

Thanks ... I already removed the starter but doesn't help with the front studs.

Good idea about raising the engine up ... I never thought of that. Is it relatively easy? Hopefully you don't have to mess with the transmission. Any idea how many engine mounts are there?

Any one out there with actual experience removing the right exhaust manifold on this type of model year?

Thanks again.

 

[Xd9m1]

How did u remove top bolt of starter?

 

[Bedrck47]

use a swivel and long extension to remove top bolt of the started also check on youtube as there is a very good video on removing the exhaust manifold on the 5.4 engine

 

[Bedrck47]

check this video

Removing the exhaust manifold from a 5.4L Ford F150 Part 1 preliminary disassembly - YouTube

 

[2005Expedition]

how you know when your exhault is crack / bad ?