Mk III (2003) Mondeo 1.8 Duratec petrol air intake

[AndyJR81]

Hi all. I'm trying to remove the cylinder head to check the valve seals and replace the head gasket. Struggling to remove the air intake manifold. The exhaust manifold came off with little trouble. I found a picture guide http://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php/Intake_Manifol... and have done everything, but where it comes to removing the bolts, 2 of them are extremely difficult to get at. I got the one in the middle using an extension on my wrench, but I am struggling with the one on the far left as it's tucked under the first pipe - there appears to be no obvious way to get at it (checked from underneath and there's a ton of stuff in the way. Has anyone done this before that can offer any insight?

Cheers

Andy

[Garybee]

Yep, I've done this one. I didn't use any particularly special tools, just 3/8" sockets, spanners and a set of crows feet. I did remove the inlet before taking the head off but can't remember why (I often leave it on if it's going to be a pain). If you do leave it on, remember to disconnect the intake lower down. I think it's connected to the block too.

As an aside, what do you believe is wrong? If it's just burning oil have you looked at the PCV valve?