This might be a really stupid question, but...

[Duke137]

Is an inlet manifold difficult to remove on an M20?

For some reason, I just can't budge it? All bolts are out, I've removed the injector rail, thermostat housing, a whole host of other shite and still it won't move!

So I hit it with a hammer (cushioned by a block of wood obviously as I am no butcher) but alas nothing?

I haven't gone all out smashing f**k with a hammer cos wasn't sure if there was something I missed?

Can anyone nudge me in the right direction?

[leeparkes]

Its been a while since ive done one of these and ive only ever done one but i seem to remember something to do with the stat housing needing to be removed.

[Duke137]

Its been a while since ive done one of these and ive only ever done one but i seem to remember something to do with the stat housing needing to be removed.

Done it dude, I lifted the injector rail and wiggled it free.

Also, does the fact that the heat has caused some kind of "seal" ? eg, do I need to heat it up?

[TouringTash]

should come off clean, is a stud or two bent?

[rmurphy520]

I know exactly what your talking about. I did it not so long ago on an M20 2.0

Are you entirly sure you've removed every bolt? There should be 12 bolts, two for each cylinder.

Also depending on whether the manifold gaskets have ever been changed or not (which they definitely should have) they may be stuck sealed. Try hammering gently the end of a flat screwdriver on one of the gaskets. These should be clearly visible. Careful not to hit the manifold or the crankcase. Do this to each gasket.

This should loosen the gasket seal and the manifold should rock back and forth until completely removed.

Once your manifold is removed, you will have to clean the remains of the stuck sealed gasket off the crankcase and manifold. Replace the gaskets and seal each new gasket and crankcase/manifold surface with copper grease as a sealant. This all worked excellent for me.

[Duke137]

Thanks guys.

It wouldn't surprise me if this thing has never been off it looks well crusted and the car has been sat since 2007 (my estimate) I got it running but then broke it up... well apart from this.

[rmurphy520]

No worries, mine was the same, car sat for 4 years and one of the gaskets had persihed, had a nightmare pulling the manifold off but I just thought i'd chip at the rest of the gaskets until they budge, I was replacing them anyway, so there was nothing lost. Let us know how you get on.

[eltel]

You don't need to remove the thermostat housing or injector rail, you can leave them in situe and disconnect the wiring.. The crankcase vent pipe usually holds them and takes some wiggling

[Duke137]

You don't need to remove the thermostat housing or injector rail, you can leave them in situe and disconnect the wiring.. The crankcase vent pipe usually holds them and takes some wiggling

The inlet is the only thing left to take off as have stripped the whole car. I thought it would come free with the rail on like you say but I took them off for good measure. I fear the gaskets are well and truly holding it

[rmurphy520]

sounds like it to me, you've probably stripped away more than you need too, however this is good, this narrows the problem down. give the gaskets a good chipping with a lump hammer and a decent flathead screwdriver.

[Duke137]

sounds like it to me, you've probably stripped away more than you need too, however this is good, this narrows the problem down. give the gaskets a good chipping with a lump hammer and a decent flathead screwdriver.

Thanks mate, When your breaking a car you can never "remove more than you need to"

[rmurphy520]

ahhh right. Could she not be saved?

[TouringTash]

Thanks mate, When your breaking a car you can never "remove more than you need to"

I'll get some pics of the one I'm fragging

[Duke137]

Thanks mate, When your breaking a car you can never "remove more than you need to"

I'll get some pics of the one I'm fragging

You ever had this problem Jason?

[Duke137]

ahhh right. Could she not be saved?

Possibly, but only a skilled welder with far too much time on their hands.... Actually it was only good for fragging really, once I removed a few parts and started digging deep. Shame cos I hate the fact E30 numbers are dwindling.

I just didn't have the time / extra money for the extra work it would have entailed.

It's dead now anyway its not a complete shell anymore....

[TouringTash]

just wish I had more space. only have 600mm down one side of the car the other is 50mm, rear bumper touching and 300mm along the front.

And as for roof space........

I'll go and get a pic

[TouringTash]

yep the door got it


if anyone knows of a spare barn (with power) empty in kent.

nudge, nudge, wink, wink. you know who you are, you mini fettler.

[Duke137]

[TouringTash]

got told that the cassette had been changed as its been painted blue and sealed in place. No rust anywhere, some one must have a solid car with a rusty sunroof area.
Can even put someone in need with a very good bodyshop guy.

Or am I just being

[Martinaston]

Ha, i thought i was tight for space.
Chop that across the floor and stand it on the rear bumper.

Duke, make sure you get the breather pipe out the way before you have a go with a hammer.

[Duke137]

Amazing, panoramic roof touring haha

To be honest Jay I'd just weigh it in mate!

It's a shame but you'll have that "hanging around" for 10 years and no one will want to pay you much for it anyway...

By the way, how the hell do you manage to work on it ?

[Duke137]

Duke, make sure you get the breather pipe out the way before you have a go with a hammer.

Done my friend. Think its just solid

I'll have a play about in the morning, as been at work all day and now can't be bothered to even get up and make a brew and the missus has gone off on a hen weekend (unthoughtful so and so)

[TouringTash]

duke the biggest problem was laying off the pies for a couple of weeks so I could fit.

It'll be gone on Monday then its time for part 2.