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Tye, I just did this about 6 weeks ago to my 50. A little time consuming but not really a difficult job. The worst part was broken manifold bolts. I found the exhaust manifold bolts that run into the head were the worst. I soaked the bolts with penetrating oil but there really isn't a way to get the oil down into the threads. They broke naturally. I then soaked the broken bolts for several days, after which I welded a nut onto the remaining bolt. It broke again even with the head. I ended up drilling out the bolt and chased the threads with a tap. Before you drill the bolt, use a punch and dimple it squarely in the middle. Much easier to drill it straight that way. The Intake Manifold "heat" valve will probably be frozen in place. After removing the manifold you should be able to knock it out or at least break the old exhaust manifold apart around it. If nothing else you can bet a replacement part like I did. When you remove the manifold it may break up. Try to avoid dropping pieces into the cylinder head. I found it easier to remove the big upper radiator pipe by removing the bolts on both the head and radiator castings and then removing the whole assembly as one piece. You can remove the pipe from the castings but you will need to replace the rubber "O" rings then. Putting the pipe back into the casting with new "O" rings is a chore. In other words if the upper pipe isn't leaking at the castings I would leave them alone. I think it's a good idea to flush the radiator at this time. I had to replace the radiator core on mine. Not much fun as the radiator core is bolted in place to the upper and lower "tanks" and there were several siezed bolts here as well. If you remove the water pump you can completely flush the radiator out both directions. The tip Brandon made about draining out the gas tank first is a good idea. You will have to undo the choke rod at the carb and unscrew the choke knob. The rod will then slide through the hole in the gauge pedestal and come out with the hood/gas tank assy. Its all pretty straightforward. Use or make new gaskets. Use plenty of antisieze compound. Mix new coolant with distilled water. You will need something like 7 gallons of coolant! That came as kind of a surprise to me... Another tip. Remove the front cover first to expose the steering pedestal. Remove the steering wheel. Remove the 4 bolts that hold the steering rod worm gear casting on the steering pedestal. This casting pulls away from the steering pedestal and the steering rod pulls out of the hood. Now you can remove the hood. If you have any questions, drop me an email. John
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