On my Dads 97 3.5 while removing the lower intake one of the bolts that goes through the intake and into the head broke, but atleast did not break flush with the head. Our question is: is it ok to apply heat to the head in order to free up whats left of the bolt. The head is aluminum and the bolt is seized. Any input would help greatly. Thanks!

 

If you heat it up make sure it is torqued to the block and do not heat directly or allow the flame to come in contact very long as you will melt the head i have used a heat lamp all night placed about 2 in from engine and bolt.

 

Well we got the bolt out. We tried using a heat gun but that didnt help so went went to a torch. We applied all sorts of heat with it an even exposed the head to the direct flame for a good amount of time and it didnt even let the bolt budge, but it did not harm the head either. To finally get it out it took about 3 hours of work with dentisit pick digging the hardend crap out of the recess around the bolt and a lot of wd-40. It finally started to move so we just kept working it back and forth and with a lot of patience it came out. Just a side note, we wen to the junk yard to get a replacement bolt and every 3.5 that we came across the front drivers side bolt on the lower intake broke. It must be a common problem with all of the 3.5 engines. Just a heads up to anyone that may be attempting the same project.