head gasket - stuck on the last step!

[coops]

I've been going for about 10hrs now at disconnecting the engine in order to replace the head gasket, and I've got down to one remaing step - but i'm stuck!

From my understanding (largley from the sometimes confusing Haynes manual) the exhaust (and inlet) manifold should come off with the cylinder head as one unit, and so requires detatching from the exhaust pipes. This is described as:

"undo the nuts securing the exhaust downpipes to the manifold and ease the flange off the manifol studs."

But I can't work out for the life of me how you get access to the third nut, in the middle of the flange. I've attatched a photo so people can tell me if I'm doing something wrong :p It was taken from the left front wheel.

1. Carburettor
2. Inlet Manifold
3. Exhaust Manifold
Red circle = flange to undo.

Am I working on the right bit? Does the middle nut need to be undone? (I've undone the ones at either end of the flange).

So close to getting the head off!

--Coops

[Monty O]

When I removed the cylinder head, I just unbolted the inlet manifold from the head; never touched the exhaust etc.
Haynes is good, but there is often 'short cuts' to same end result

[coops]

Thanks...
are the nuts securing the inlet manifold to the head accessible from the top?

are there separate nuts holding the exhaust manifold to the head?

Coops

[Monty O]

Whilst the one I did was a turbo diesel, I worked totally from under the bonnet, never got underneath.

[G Force]

Thanks...
are the nuts securing the inlet manifold to the head accessible from the top?

are there separate nuts holding the exhaust manifold to the head?

Coops

Hi, on the 2.0 petrol engine it is a lot easier to leave the manifolds on. You can get at the centre exhaust flange nut with the ring end of a decent 13mm combination spanner, sometimes alternating using the spanner upside down helps. Other wise go underneath and use a 3/8 13mm socket and long extension with a wobbly joint.

If you take the manifolds off sometimes the exhaust manifold distorts making it hard to refit and seal. If you do take the manifolds of there are nuts on the exhaust some are underneath. and bolts clamping both inlet and exhausts in places.


Regards gary :)