Scotty,
I recently bought a 2018 Ford Taurus with a 3.5L V6 engine. While I was replacing the front engine splash shield I noticed that one exhaust bolt was missing from each manifold. The missing bolt is in a different location on each exhaust manifold and there is no sign a bolt was ever installed. Do you think this was done on purpose or just accidentally left off during assembly?
Thanks,
Mike
Maybe there was a shortage on bolts?
Easy d.i.y.-repair: 2 bolts and a socket set, and you will glow as a real mechanic!
Usually that kind of thing is caused by the studs snapping off when removing the manifolds. You might find the remains of broken studs in the holes.
That is not the case. I can see the front one and the threads are nice and clean and I suspect the back is the same.