Hi,

Just wondering if anyone here has removed the right side exhaust header (manifold) from a right hand drive with the engine in place. The steering shaft looks like it's in the way along with the ac compressor, looking for any tips before I dive in.
The nuts and bolts are currently soaking in WD40 in advance.

Thanks,
Gary

 

You will need to unbolt the MM's and raise the engine to get them off. Mostly to clear the cross brace side mounts.
Also get a short and a curved 13mm wrench, some can be accessd with socket and swivel extension.

 

Thanks Dave.

 

On my 79 I was able to get headers off with out raising engine so YMMV based on model year. I had various tools and used various positions on the floor to reach everything. I used right arm, left arm etc. I also used 1/4" ratchet with 18" extension and that helped to. Some of the bolts you can get a ratcheting wrench around them which helps. Good luck!

 

Thats on a 16v right, on a 32v there is not enough clearance to get them past the engine cross brace side supports.
I was on my cell yesterday and didn't note what engine OP had. I'm thinking it's a Euro now

Dave

 

Yes it's a Euro MY '86 so the last of the 16v. Glad to hear it's a bit easier, I have the gaskets on order along with new nuts, bolts and washers. Thanks.

 

where did you order the new header nuts/washers?

 

I reused what I had, no issues with them, they were not damaged and came off w/o issue, I did soak them w/ PB Blaster

Oops that you were asking me

 

Sorry, what is a MM?

If you need to raise a 32 valve engine. I'd guess it s a good time to replace the motor mounts?

 

Motor mounts

 

Just confirming that you need to raise the engine on the right hand side for both standard and non standard exhaust headers.

I raised mine with the motor mount still bolted in place as it only has to move a small amount- my mounts are new so not sure if this would differ to an older amount in case of any change to how high its holding the engine. Either way not difficult.

I also dropped the steering rack and anti roll bar for clearance for new mdms headers

 

Thanks all, I got the parts from my local Porsche dealer so they are all still available. I've also got some PB blaster on order as it seems to get mentioned in most posts. And as a last resort I picked up a nut splitter but not sure there's enough room to use it.
The previous owner replaced the motor mounts with the Volvo ones so I'm hoping that will give me enough room to work.

 

Thanks for the help guys, got the header off after several sessions. Soaked everything if PB Blaster in advance, once the ac compressor was removed along with its bracket and heatshields the front 5 nuts were accessible with a socket and the rear 3 from behind the engine mount. Number 4 gasket was in a bad way but the header surface looks ok after a good cleaning so now to start reassembly.