RE: Talking Heads

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

> Exhaust manifolds we _always_ leave on the head, treating it as a
> subassembly.  For one thing, on a 100000+ mile head, the EM nuts are
> so corroded that careful use of six-point sockets and wrenches is
> imperative.  There are also several on the MB (and MC?) engines that
> you just can't _get_ anything on with the head still in the car.  I
> don't know anyone who would think of removing the manifold without
> the head.
> 
... I used to be from that school as well, but I did find that on my '88
5kCSQA (MC-I engine) that once I had the IM out of the way that I could
easily access most of the nuts on the extremities.  One morning I said WTF
and gave the others a shot.  Much to my surprise I found that it wasn't that
difficult to cobble together the proper extensions to allow me to free the
EM from the head as well.  Perhaps the fact that I have a 3/8" ratchet with
a pivoting head made a difference ... I don't know.  

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)