Exhaust manifold change

I am replacing my old commander manifolds with new PCMs. Looks pretty simple. Any suggestions-Hints or Dos and Donts? I just received the new manifolds,risers,and gasket kit. I was feeling good about the project until I read that small mistakes can cause major damage. I squirted liquid wrench on the old stuff a few weeks age and am just waiting for some dry warm day. Any suggestions and or comments would be greatly appreciated. This is my first boat so dont be shy. Its a 1984 SN w/ford 351

John I thought this was the guy you where getting them from?? If you don't want them then I would like to buy them from Gregory

Do's and dont's

liquid wrench, liquid wrench, liquid wrench or any penitrating oil for that matter spray around the head and in between the head and manifold where the gasket is. Make sure that you use a tight fitting 6 point socket, a twelve point will just round off the head so don't use it, go buy one if you have to. If it is a socket head cap screw get a socket style hex wrench and use a 3/8 drive ratchet. Go slow and steady with the mussle, don't beat on the ratchet with a hammer, you'll risk breaking it if you do. Remove the hose clamps and run a screwdriver around the exhaust hose to break the seal before loosening any bolt on the manifold. Oh For got you don't have to worry about that. Leave the two end bolts (front/back) for last the front one is the easist to get to so do it last. You may have to work it back and forth a little to get freed up (loosen/tighten) if it is rusted and keep spraying it with liquid wrench as you go if it's tight backing it out.

When installing start the front bolt a couple of turns and then do the back bolt. pull back on the manifold to creat a small gap between the head and it, then you can slide the gasket in between and put in the rest of the bolts. On the gasket for the riser the blocked off part goes to the back on both sides. The four bolts attaching the riser are the hardist and take the longest, space issue and a box end wrench works good. You can use studs on the two end bolts as well to help hold the manifold in place maybe a little easier dong it that way.

got everything I'll give you a call next friday and we'll get the girls out for a while

Thank You 79Natique. Good Info. jbear.I did reply to your post Via e-main. You didnt get it? They are still in the boat nice and dry,unlike everything on the outside. As soon as things warm up I am going to give the change over a try. I thought I saved a reply from you but I dont see one now. Yea..If you want them Ill take care of it. Im sure I am going to have questions about this fixer upper boat and your input is worth more than cash. They look pretty good but thats only on the outside.I dont know anything else except the boat was running 2 years ago. Yes the elbos were stolen as well as the fuel tank and the front passenger seat.NOTHING else..Think it was a boat owner???
Also..79Natique is there a torque spec for the bolts? Thanx for the help. I do appreciate it. jbear..Ill go back to the old post and resend my e-mail. Let me know if you do/dont get it. Greg

Thanx 79Natique. I did a little more liquid wrench today. 3rd time now. Hope they come out easy. Thank you again for the help.

Will do JBear. Had a great time .