Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Humpy]

I think my manifold gasket has started blowing. Went down to Calne near Swindon from Tunbridge Wells and noticed it after we'd got back. Sounds like the rear pot of the three which seems favourite judging by the other postings I've looked at on here. My question is, is it really that much of a pig to do? Just been signed off for a week so don't relish working out in the cold for days if it is! I understand you have to undo the engine mount and raise the engine up a bit to get at everything but do you go in from above or below? There's also talk of a coolant pipe with O rings? Anybody got any pics of what the nearside of the engine looks like out of the car? The Haynes manual says to take the engine out but that seems a bit extreme! Any help would be appreciated.

Humpy

[amba]

After reading horror stories of replacing the n/s exhaust manifold I took mine to my local well trusted garage.

He was not that keen on the job as he also said engine needs moving around on the mounts to get at the nuts,but he took the job on.He fixed priced it at 3.5 hours but when I collected it he said he would never do that job again as it is very restricted for space.He did say even with stops he spent around 6 hours in total so I got a result.

Others do say it is less of an issue but us mortals can only admire their skills.

Coolant pipe removal is only required for the O/Side bank as it runs from the back of the head to the radiator pipework.

I wish you good luck if you attempt it ,especially this time of year and outside....from my memory my garage friend told me most of the work was done from below as it is the only way to see what you are doing

[Marks DTM Calib]

You need to remove the B-bolt and get teh dipstick tube out of the way.

The difficult thing about this job is that most of it has to be done from underneath, I have actualy done one in less than 2 hours before without removing the mount but it does depend on how easily the cat comes off etc.

Do use new studs and nuts though.

[cem_devecioglu]

[cem_devecioglu]

it took a whole day and a bit more for us mortals
 
honestly if I will do it another time, engine out no debate for me..
 
reason is you cant torque properly , area is very tight ..
 
ps: there are 2 types of gaskets one is layered steel and you have to use this one..  the other  have very short life and starts to leak after some time ..

[Humpy]

Thanks all, and thanks Cem for the pics, it kinda makes sense now. Ish! I think I'll see if I can persuade a mate to do it for some drinking vouchers. At least he can use the workshop where he works rather than me struggling outside in the cold

Humpy

[amba]

Very wise move..imho

[Humpy]

Interestingly, realised now that my problem is a sticky tappet  Used the screwdriver on the rocker cover on that side and its definately a sticky tappet. I must admit, the car could do with a service (red face!) so what would you recommend? Obviously an oil change, possibly with flushing oil as well and or an oil treatment?

Humpy

[Humpy]

Scratch the last post, its definately a blowing manifold gasket    It was mentioned to me that it may be a  cracked manifold as they are well known for cracking. Is this true? If so I'll get a spare before we ever take it apart just to be safe.

Humpy

[Elite Pete]

Its the 4 pots that suffer cracked manifolds, i've done quite a few V6 manifolds and not come across a cracked one yet

[Michael2.6]

 If you do the job yourself prepare for a absolutely awful job

It can be done with the engine in place but its a real swine

[amba]

When my n/s gasket was replaced I had the fore thought to get hold of a spare manifold incase the original was found to be cracked when removed.

No sign of any damage except a very suspect thin gasket,so if you do find yours has a crack,which I think is very unlikely,I have a spare one sat here and not a million miles away .

[Humpy]

Thanks Amba and the othrs for the advice. It doesn't look like I'll be doing the job as a;I have to work outside (not ideal this time of year!) and b; I'm signed off work at the mo so that wouldn't look good either!

I'll appeal for a spare on in the parts section just in case. All avenues covered and all that!

Humpy

[Humpy]

Remember this post? Well, a mate of a mate has had a look at it and decided he cant do it as the engine does need removing! Unfortunately, I'm still off work and haven't got anywhere to do this, is there anybody local to me who would tackle it? I know theres a few guys that do work on these cars and if need be I'd be happy to bring the car to you. Otherwise, if the engines got to come out, this is going to cost a packet, correct? 

Humpy

[albitz]

As evidenced by all the posts on the suject on the forum,the engine doesnt need to come out.Ive never done the job,but its obviously not an easy one.I would suggest you head north up the M6 to one of the people who do it regularily,or see if JamesV6 fancies coming to you to do it.