300/440/550 Removal of exhaust manifold - X2

[Sospikey]

So I'd like to remove my manifold. I will either drill and tap it for dual cooling or get an aftermarket manifold. BUT....it is stuck....really stuck. For now I have soaked all the studs and edges in penetrating oil. What is the next step?
Plastic mallet and wack away? Heat? Pry bar? Anybody done this before?

 

[Cliff]

a good coutesy tap should do it.

 

[BlueBreadTruck]

typical salt water 650.....have you tried to get the head off yet?!

i use heat, oil and a rubber mallet........if you pry between the cyls and manifold be gentle, its a waterjacket. i have had ones that WOULD not come off without destroying it.

 

[Sospikey]

Actually, seems like this is the only thing stuck on this X2. Head, starter, pump, intake manifold was a breeze to remove. I'll soak, heat and beat it (gently) then. I'll see about the prying part. Might be easier to remove engine and drill and tap while it is still mounted?

 

[Sospikey]

It is off the ski!
Took lots of penetrating oil, plastic mallet, large screw driver and about 1 hour to get it out. No damage to cylinder or manifold!

 

[teamkamakasi]

boil a kettle and pour it on,,, it desolves the salt thats holding it on, then whack it wi the mallet