Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement- impossible bolts!!

[rosshand]

Hi Everyone,
Is there a special formula for removing the lower bolts on the exhaust manifold? I have had the car up on ramps and can just about manage to get one of the underside bolts off, the rest seem completely inaccessible.

Has anyone done this job, any advise on spanner lenghts and best positioning woud be great.

[Cider Andy]

Many of them are awkward, some accessed from above, some below. You'll need a mix of spanners, preferably ring spanners, of different lengths and angles. I had to grind an old ring spanner as it wouldn't fit on the head because of how close it was to the manifold branch. With perseverance you'll do it....

...unless any of the bolts are seized.

[spend]

Which side are you struggling with? Many remove the starter and exhaust for better access to start with.

Half moon spanners prob best, but bending an old spanner to suit works as well (big vice reqd ). Make sure you soak the bolts for a while first & best to free / tighten them in advance of the big job IMHO. If you have spring locks, tapping them with a long punch to break the rust seal can help (it won't move the bolt or washer though).. and every little helps.. even a little heat

Dave