Exhaust manifold gasket

[Martin123]

The engine to exhaust manifold gasket on my 1989 325 Touring is blowing a bit so I'm planning to replace it. I've done a search on this forum and checked the Haynes (they give it one spanner of diff. which seems a bit optimistic in my case!). Does anyone have any tips to make the job as straightforward as possible?
Cheers

[Brianmoooore]

One simple instruction. DON'T break off any studs.
Check that the face of the manifold is flat when it's off. They tend to warp, and this is what breaks studs and blows gaskets.

[Martin123]

Thanks Brian, I can imagine the hassle of breaking a stud off.

[eta]

You might find access difficult to some of the lower row of stud nuts with the oil filter in place. I have done it before so it really canlt be difficult.

[Martin123]

Thanks both, I'll give it a whirl in the next few days.
Cheers

[leeparkes]

Start soaking the studs with WD40 NOW.

[capri_rob]

Soak the studs/nuts in penetrating fluid for several days before you attempt to remove them and the general consensus is to get the engine nice and hot before you attempt to undo anything - which will of course mean you burn your fingers but stand less of a chance of snapping the studs.

You might find ( like my car ) that someone has already been there and snapped the studs off already - in which case if there is more than one broken stud ( especially the one at the back of the head nearest the bulkhead ) its a head off job.

Good luck