RE: HELP!! (exhaust problem)

["Ian J Haseltine" <Jim_Haseltine@classic.msn.com>]

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From: 	owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net on behalf of Armstead, Brian
>The last time he fixed it he pulled the head (said it would be 
>less of a headache)
Having replaced a head this summer, its definitely the way that I'd do it.

>Can the head gasket be re-used?  
Not unless you like him so much that you want to pay him to pull the head a 
third time. Fit a new one, ditto the head bolts.

What condition are the existing manifold studs in? is it possible that he is 
torqueing the manifold too high for the studs? All exhaust manifolds expand in 
use, some by so much that the bolt holes are oval to allow for expansion. This 
has to be absorbed by something, and in the situation of an old stud and an 
expanding manifold I'd bet on the stud giving way.  

Jim Haseltine
88 Ur quattro