Cracked manifold gasket

[4535jacks]

I have a slight ticking coming from the right manifold and believe it to be a crack in the gasket.
Firstly is this a common problem?
Secondly, is it a DIY fix?
Finally, how much would a tvr specialist 'rob' me to do the work?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

1) Very common
2) You can do it, only if you don't need your knuckles again! :F

[4535jacks]

So would you recommend it get someone to do it, or DIY?
If DIY, where is the best place to buy the new gasket from/

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

4535jacks said:

So would you recommend it get someone to do it, or DIY?
If DIY, where is the best place to buy the new gasket from/

Why not get a quote to get it done? That'll give you an idea whether it's worth tackling it yourself.

[chrispitman]

It depends on which side as well, the passenger side is easier because of more access, also if your attempting your self I would try and see if you can get the bolts undone as its a common problem to sieze and strip the thread in the heads, if you can get them all loose then do it your self. The rear bolts I have would are usually the worst. Also worth checking the other bank to make sure there tight as they can work loose.

[mb450]

I did my manifold gaskets recently and it's not a job I'd ever like to do again. In itself it's not particularly difficult, just awkward as you've got to contort your hands into impossible positions. Like others have said above you'll most likely end up bleeding in someway (quite a few times).

My problems were compounded because the manifold bolts were as they were from the factory and 66K miles on in an horrendous state. As soon as I got a any torque on them the heads would sheer. In all 4 out of 16 bolts-two on each head, sheered making a simple manifold off to replace the gaskets into having to have both heads off to extract and in 3 cases drill and heli-coil - I suppose it's ultimately down to luck on the state of the bolts.

I didn't mind too much as it was able to do the cam and valve train (yes dear all these bits needed to be replaced ) - but - if I had known what I was getting into I'd have dropped it off at an indy or a stealer and let them fight it out.

[Chimune]

Mine has just gone into an indy to get it done for the 2nd time in 2 years ( at least the bolts shouldnt be too welded in ! ). Have a quote for around £200 to do o/s bank, but i suspect this will increase as i have aircon pipes hindering access.

[Ubernoober]

I had both banks done at Fernies about a year ago - was about £225 for both IIRC