manifold removal...

[matt-man]

can the manifolds be taken right off without too much trouble???

[toltec]

Assuming the V8, and having just had the engine out of a 400SE, the n/s does come off easily enough barring seized bolts but I would be very surprised if the o/s would come out without at least partially lifting the engine out of the bay.

I am sure the more experienced hands will correct if I am wrong about the o/s.

[adam quantrill]

The drivers side one is a bit trickier, but not too bad. Best to jack the car up 18" to get clearance, and also it helps of you slacken off the engine mount bolts and jack it up too.

When refitting put _all_ the bolts in _slack_ before tightening any of them up.

[ed_crouch]

Agree entirely with Adam. You *will* need the wriggle room with tools, as the lower bolts will not go in and thread on if the manifold is up tight against the engine, i.e. if youve already tweaked the top bolts up (because they were easy...). This is because the primaries bend down at quite a sharp angle quite cuickly, and partially blank off the lower holes.

On mine (390), I had to jack the front of the car up about 6-12 inches, and removed the starter motor, as it gets in the way, and really isnt difficult to remove and fit with the manifolds in. Tip: to remove the starter, whip the O/S/F wheel off and go in thru the wheelarch: easier. Well, it worked for me!

HTH.

Ed.

[matt-man]

thanks for your thoughts...ive had the bolts out recently (last month) for new gaskets but i think the manifold needs repair unfortunatly...

The whole system should be sorted very soon (as soon as its delivered anyway!!!)

Very excited...been out for a blast today and it needs to be louder...MORE MORE MORE MORE!!!

[tvrleigh]

while you have them off, make sure that the ends that connect to the engine are flush, you may have to rebuild them, and grind them flat again. mine was in a terable state, no wonder they kept blowing.