318i Exhaust manifold heat shield advise

[ocde30]

I'm slowly working through jobs on my car bit by bit but there is one that I keep looking at but fear it might turn into one that I regret touching.
The heat shield on my exhaust manifold is in a worn state - see below. My questions to others with experience of replacing this part are:-
Baring in mind that I don't have a large workshop and only have fairly basic DIY mechanical knowledge.
1. Is this a difficult job?
2. How likely is it that one or more studs will snap in the head?
3. looking at the condition of it on the picture do you think it needs replacing urgently or should I leave well alone?

I would welcome any advise please.

IMG_2808.JPG

[Moz]

Hi!

I never even got to the stud snapping stage as ended up with 2 broken rocker cover bolts! The M40 does not generate such huge amounts of heat that the exhaust manifold heatshield will be adversely affected by the wear and tear showing in your photo. I just painted mine carefully with black VHT paint to make it presentable, something you could do maybe?

IMG_20200905_165624_858.jpg

I think mine was worse than yours looking at this old photo before I dealt with the bay

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Thanks

[ocde30]

Thanks..... that is what I was thinking. The condition of yours does look very similar so I might leave well alone. Cheers for the feedback.

[Brianmoooore]

The heat shield is part of the exhaust manifold gasket, so you get a new one if and when you remove the manifold.
The heat shield was deleted on late models, and replaced by plastic beads threaded onto the plug leads.

[Grepot]

I'm looking at removing the exhaust manifold on my M40 as part of the head gasket job I'm doing at the moment. I tried removing one nut just now and it was pretty loose if anything. I'd suggest giving it a go, there's only 8 fasteners holding it in. Besides, if they do end up being too stubborn you're not obligated to go through with it.

My biggest issue with it was getting clearance for the wrench I wanted, so I ended up a smaller one. Thought it would be an issue getting enough torque to remove them but it was no problem.

[ocde30]

Cheers for the info / advise on this - I'm sure there will be plenty on here in the same predicament. I might just try the fastenings as you suggest to see if there is any movement without too much force. A good WD40 soak first will be the first job.

[martauto]

Thanks..... that is what I was thinking. The condition of yours does look very similar so I might leave well alone. Cheers for the feedback.

Hi mate, and you know you will have to change it , it`s in your DNA
Try "plus gas" instead, it`s a proper penetrant

Mart.

[Grepot]

Also worth keeping in mind you may up needing to disconnect the cat/downpipe section from the manifold from under the car. The 4 nuts are pretty accessible but I've found they need a fair amount of torque to come undone. Might be worth doing this while you're taking the manifold off the head so you can give the surfaces a good clean for the new gaskets. Might also be more of a headache though, I'm pretty sure you should be able to maneuver the manifold about with the rest of the exhaust still connected. Whatever you end up deciding to do, good luck; it shouldn't be too much hassle, especially with a good soak.