No, not MY head!

I've got the head bolts out and taken the header nuts off. The head is loose. Is there any way to get the head out w/o removing the header as well? I do NOT want to crawl under this *%$#ing car for 3 bolts <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by MichelleJD:
<strong>I do NOT want to crawl under this *%$#ing car for 3 bolts <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">How about crawling under for 6? They're all 13mm, just use a 12" extension and it's cake...5 mins tops.

 

Is it a bolt and nut? DO I need to hold the nut while turning the bolt? Ooooo I'm so close!

 

On a 944/951 the headers come off with the head.

There is not enough clearance between the engine and the fender to pull the header off of the studs. So you will have to disconnect the headers from the exhaust system.

Unless you have a lift at home.....crawling it is.

 

trevor, come over to the 944 chat area, say hi.

 

(nice 944 posts......)

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by MichelleJD:
<strong>Is it a bolt and nut? DO I need to hold the nut while turning the bolt? Ooooo I'm so close!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yes to all the above. Again, 13mm for the wrench to hold the nuts [ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ], they're not welded to the header flange.

 

Yes nut and bolt. Better than having to remove crossover pipe....trust me. Anyone who can remove those 6 bolts and nuts with the typical rust problems in 5 min without air tools I bow to.

 

Deni,

how do you get to this chat area?

 

go to this link:
<a href="http://mall.rennlist.com/chat" target="_blank">http://mall.rennlist.com/chat</a>

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Bill:
<strong>On a 944/951 the headers come off with the head.

There is not enough clearance between the engine and the fender to pull the header off of the studs. So you will have to disconnect the headers from the exhaust system.

Unless you have a lift at home.....crawling it is.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by PorscheG96:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by MichelleJD:
<strong>Is it a bolt and nut? DO I need to hold the nut while turning the bolt? Ooooo I'm so close!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yes to all the above. Again, 13mm for the wrench to hold the nuts [ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ], they're not welded to the header flange.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />

 

michelle - just get it over with!

 

"Is it a bolt and nut? DO I need to hold the nut while turning the bolt?

Yes you do. That's more of Porsche's service-engineering for ya. I don't need to mention that certain other 'import' manufacturers weld the nuts onto the flanges in anticipation of this exact procedure. The very first time I took my headers off, I brazed some stainless nuts onto the flanges.

Here's an easy way to remove the headers from the rest of the exhaust. You'll need these tools:

- 13mm open-end/box wrench
- 3/8" ratchet with 'persuader' handle extension
- 3/8" extensions in 6", 3" lengths
- 13mm universal socket (that's a socket with a built-in universal joint, not a 13mm socket on top of a universal adaptor, this is the secret weapon...)

Easiest to start on the outside bolts. Assemble the proper combination of extensions to reach up. Best to have an assistant hold the wrench on the top side. If not, you can arrange the box-wrench such that the spin turns it into the header pipes and holds it in place as you turn the bottom. The two inside nuts & bolts require you to access them from between the header pipes. A little more difficult, but it can be done. This is where the 13mm socket w/universal pays for itself.

Also beforehand, apply PB-Blaster and let sit overnight. This will help loosen the rusted nuts & bolts. Replace with stainless-steel ones afterwards.

You might also want to replace the exhaust header studs. If you go down to your Toyota dealer with one of them (also Saturn), they can get you a replacement with an allen-key hole on the outside. This will allow you remove the studs the next time and remove the headers without having to pull the head.

Good luck!

 

Thanx Danno. I'm not up to it tonight, but this is good info.