I have a 2003 silverado and both the exhaust manifold gaskets are leaking and & the heads of a couple of the exhaust manifold bolts are broken off but not flush with the cylinder head. Has anybody replaced there own exhaust manifold gaskets and if so how big of a pain in the *** is it. As long as I could get all the manifold bolts out it would be an easy job, but I twist one of them off we'd have a hell of a mess on our hands. Any help???

 

That is a very common problem. If you have a welder you can get them out. Remove the manifold weld a nut on to the broken stud and they usually spin right out.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look 'cause I never paid any attention but are the heads on a 2003 5.3 steel or aluminum??