I'm looking at an 03 with a manifold exhaust issue. I'm told it's leaking. Is this is a big hard fix or not really?

 

The manifold bolts are notorious for snapping the heads off on all 6.0,5.3 etc. motors. should have been a recall. My Avalanche had it. My H2 also. Front and rear bolts snapped on both manifolds and the passenger had a 3" crack in it. So I had my mechanic do it. Because the dipstick was rotted from running through the manifold he replaced that as well. So be prepared for that as well. As I've seen people post the dipstick tube can turn into a nightmare. My mechanic snapped it off at the block and had to fight it out. Which I believe led to my oil pump failure a few weeks later.

So is it a nasty job? Yes. If you're really lucky and mechanically inclined it's doable.

You have to remove the inner fender(s) to access manifolds

Remove remaining manifold bolts. And either hope there is enough shoulder to get a pair of vice grips on.
OR weld a nut to the stud. Which will harden the stud and make it hard to drill out if necessary. I believe you get one shot at this.

Spark plugs also need to be pulled

Don't let the dealer tell you it's not a big deal. Tell him to have it fixed or knock 1500-2000 off the price. I know it's high but there is some aggravation pay there.

Good luck in your search

 

Read on....pics on post #6.

https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/h...d-bolts-33363/

 

You can also use GM studs for a 4.3L V6 and spanner-grip nuts for about 1/2 of what the ARP kit will cost you.
Stud is GM PN:10182325

 

Mine broke off too,took it to my shop where they were able to replace all but 1,it broke off in the block,then they snapped off the ez out.......trying to get it out....so far no noise.....to bad they do not, use anti-size at the time they install these bolts...Rick

 

Took mine to Midas, replaced both manifolds and removed broken bolts, and installed new manifolds. Less than $500.00
Plus installed new bands on muffler heat shield that rattled

 

Wow! That is cheap. New manifolds, bolts and labour? $500.

Midas had to lose money there. The manifolds had to cost over 500 alone.

 

Manifolds @GMCdealer were approx $100 each with gaskets.

 

I Had the broken bolts also, Big pain in the *** with dipstick that also broke at block.Got everything repaired with beer and taps then replaced those crappy stock manifolds with gibson shorty headers. Runs great and sounds better too.

 

Man it cost me 240 just for the passenger side. I'm assuming your in the U.S. By these prices. We get hosed on auto parts in Canada.