Swap Manifolds NOT

[Otto Man]

When I had mine in for all of the work last week I threw the E6 I got from Mr Pink in the back, "just in case". Asked the guy to throw that on if it wasn't too much. He said $120 for the swap. I said go for it.
Well it turns out he didn't want to do it afterall. He said that while he was backing out the bolts they were "tightening up" and he did not want to snap a bolt and risk some sort of insert (forgot what he called it). He recommended taking the head off first. He wrote on the ticket "Unable to install manifold due to missing gaskets and fasteners, may need air injection tubes"
I think he meant the EGR tube and I have an extra. Why would bolts get tighter backing them out?
Any thoughts. The manifold on there is stock but OK.
Thanks

[bendutro]

Helicoils are probably what he meant.

The bolts shouldn't be that tight coming out, I've had to PB blast to get 'em out, and maybe use some heat, but they've always come out for me. He probably just doesn't want to break anything.

EGR tubes can be tough, same strategy there.... PB Blast the heck out of it. I've destroyed 3 oil feed lines removing turbos and manifolds though with end-wrenches, I think tubing wrench ends are needed unless I'm missing some other method.

Port the E6 while you're waiting.

[Otto Man]

I guess what Im asking is
Is it an easier job with the head off?
Which opens a new can of worms. If I elect to take the head off to change the manifold.....
What do I do to the head? These cars are nuts! (but I love 'em...cars that is)
I believe Gator did some "touch up" on the manifold, so IT BETTER be OK.

[SVOeric]

BTW -- these manafolds should not have a gasket between the E6, and the head...
there should be one between the E6 and turbo tho

Those exhaust bolts get hot -- and will sometimes tighten a bit when removing, but should come out with a little lube.

I've done this several times without removing the head BTW --
I kinda prefer to take the manafold, turbo, and all off in one piece.

[Otto Man]

But is it necessary?
Just curious Eric

[SVOeric]

is which part necessary ?

[Otto Man]

I guess you answered my question Eric. Thanx
The manifold CAN come off with the head in place.
FORD shop I guess.

[Eyelawdoc]

IMHO it is better to remove the exhaust manifold bolts with the head on. It is much easier to get the leverage you need to loosen the manifold bolts with the head securely fastened onto the motor in the car.

[1fastII]

Jesus christ, my exhaust manifold swap was the hardest job I've ever had to do on any car. EVERY bolt was rusted on solid except the oil lines!

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Originally posted by MikeFleming
You waited too long. You shoulda started taking the engine apart after the first 2000 or so miles [fron new] - just to check it out. Then the next time after another 5,000 or so to see how well the mods are working out. That's what I do.

Ignore what he said. It will make you go nuts.

Just buy all the crap that you need and replace it every 20 years.

Otto Man, your very pretty car isn't that old mileage-wise. I'd keep it as stock as possible.

[under pressure]

Those threads on those bolts look like their squre. Use lots of WD=40.

[1fastII]

Originally posted by MikeFleming
You waited too long. You shoulda started taking the engine apart after the first 2000 or so miles [fron new] - just to check it out. Then the next time after another 5,000 or so to see how well the mods are working out. That's what I do.

Funds were a little short back then.