Exhausted

Hey Guys:

As I suspected, the heat riser in my 340 HP exhaust manifold is 90% closed and rusted solid.

Problem No.1

When I remove the front and rear manifold bolts, is coolant susposed to drain out thru the bolt holes? Please say yes!

Problem No. 2

The angled oil filter adapter needs to come out so the manifold will clear. What the hell size socket does it take? It's not 1 1/8 or 1 1/4. Can't buy a 1 3/16.

Problem No.3

The cast has a small crack where the pivot bar goes thru the heat riser. Is brazing the best way to repair it?

I want to remove the flap and bar portion inside the pipe and weld the rest solid so I don't have any holes to fill in. Please advise.

Problem No. 4

No manifold gasket!!! just that tin heat deflector. Should I chuck the deflector and just use the gasket or use both?

So much for a five minute job!!!

Thanks