Exhaust manifold removal

I have a 1989 F250 with a 460 and need to remove the driver side exhaust manifold. This truck is a plow truck so it is very rusty. There is about a 1/4" gap between the head and manifold on the front port that has rusted away which is the reason I need to change it. I do have a torch and there isn't a lot of room to swing a hammer to get a good hit on the bolts to try to break them loose.

Do any of you have any tips or tricks that may be helpful to me? I usually try to tighten it first before I try to back it out. Should I heat the bolts up with the torch? Thanks

I wouldn't try to heat the bolts,the head is what needs to be heated if your heating anything. The bolt will twist right into if you heat it.

Heat the head at the bolt and when its red poor water on it till its cool and the bolt will come right out,
but work it back&forth as your taking it out.

res0rli9 wrote:Heat the head at the bolt and when its red poor water on it till its cool and the bolt will come right out,
but work it back&forth as your taking it out.

Thank you for the response. Just so I understand why do I want to cool the head off with water right after I have heated it? How much do I want to cool it down before I start to remove the bolt? Thanks

Heat the head around the bolt when it just starts to turn red cool it with the water, that will brake the two apart but work the bolt back and forth as your taking it out slow and easy. Once its lose spray some WD40/CRC on it to help.Most will only take one time but some Ive had to heat twice. Poor enough water to cool it and try it right after you poor the water on it.Heat the top and sides around the bolt.