Cheap way to fix GM manifold and stuck bolts

Repairs done on a 2006 Hummer H3, this will be a similar job for other GM makes and models with the 3.5L inline 5 cylinder from GM. It is a common problem.
I did the repairs on a budget. I used nickel welding rods with an AC welder to fix the crack in the manifold. I also use the welder to extract bolts from the side of the engine.
Link to subscribe to my channel:
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[@KL-zt6jx]

Top notch job!

[@z_blev]

When the easy-out tip snapped off 😂 I know them feels…

[@JustinBiddix]

Id say easy outs work 40% of the time

[@jonpaulison2283]

Great job , I have to mine on my 03 H2 ....just did the plugs yesterday and notice broken off bolts on both manifold yee ha to much fun . Thanks for the video

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for the comment! It’s a pretty aggravating job. Just gotta be patient, good luck!

[@2ndgearshenanigans]

Good Video you showed everything I needed to see …. I’m going to take head off mine but needed to see where and how many bolts there were …. I wish I had the tools you have but I’ll figure out something …. Thanks

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks! Good luck on your project. I’m glad the video helped in some way.

[@justonovak8216]

Great video thanks for the info.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks. I’m glad you got some info from it.

[@drmh9041]

nice video it shows all the tricks you have learned. Good job. my H3 2008 Hummer needs the same job soon.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks! Good luck on your job.

[@jrussell49]

Good job! I have the same problem Justin. I have a question about welding the broken bolts deep inside the cylinder head. When you reached in with the rod, why didn’t the bolt weld to the engine block? Once the bolt and the engine block are welded together seems no way to vise the bolt out? Johnny

[@JustinBiddix]

Hey great question. The reason is because that block is made of aluminum. The bolt is steel. Aluminum is very difficult to weld with a stick welder. It would require a special aluminum welding rod. And very difficult to weld aluminum to steel. Therefore I am not concerned at all about the broken off bolt being welded or fused into the aluminum block. The only thing that will weld in this circumstance is the broken steel bolt and the steel aid in which you are welding to that broken steel bolt. I hope that makes sense.

[@jrussell49]

Makes perfect sense Justin. I must have somehow forgotten my engines aluminum. Thank you, too much.

[@wphh7272]

My Colorado with the same engine makes the same noise for a second after starting. Anyone know what that noise is? Maybe the starter bendix winding down?

[@JustinBiddix]

It could be a cracked manifold. Once it warms up the metal expands and closes the cracks tighter making the noise less noticeable.

[@wphh7272]

@@JustinBiddix I definitely have an exhaust leak. (It’s my son’s truck so I don’t drive it often and I’m knocking it back into shape). Leak definitely either cracked manifold or gasket. Haven’t pulled heat shield but that’s next on the list. Thanks for your advice!! Edit: It does get quieter after running a while and the sound is not heard when re-starting while at operating temperature. I think you’re on to something! Thx!!

[@redoakpropertycarellc]

Might not be a pretty weld but at least you got it handled, that's all that matters 🍻

[@JustinBiddix]

Thats right! Money saved.

[@redoakpropertycarellc]

@@JustinBiddix better than mine and most people's welds though