grinder? dremmel?
do-able without, with the right tools, though MUCH easier with the arch liner out if the bolt hasnt been touched in a long time
blue_cheese
Member
I guess who ever had this before me decided to swap the wheel bolts, as they aren't the normal 27mm. Looks to be around 22mm - one of the only sizes I haven't got 
Today's progress..
Managed to get the exhaust manifold off on the passenger side. Now trying to get to the head bolts - the ones at the back are proving particularly challenging for my kit, I think I might need a breaker bar.
Still haven't got the manifold off the drivers side yet, but that's because of the wheel issue. I'll try and get the correct parts tomorrow to carry on.
Head bolts are a tricky size too - somewhere between 15 and 16mm - so using 16 hoping it doesn't slip
Today's progress..
Managed to get the exhaust manifold off on the passenger side. Now trying to get to the head bolts - the ones at the back are proving particularly challenging for my kit, I think I might need a breaker bar.
Still haven't got the manifold off the drivers side yet, but that's because of the wheel issue. I'll try and get the correct parts tomorrow to carry on.
Head bolts are a tricky size too - somewhere between 15 and 16mm - so using 16 hoping it doesn't slip
You are learning some lesson here young jediI guess who ever had this before me decided to swap the wheel bolts, as they aren't the normal 27mm. Looks to be around 22mm - one of the only sizes I haven't got
Today's progress..
Managed to get the exhaust manifold off on the passenger side. Now trying to get to the head bolts - the ones at the back are proving particularly challenging for my kit, I think I might need a breaker bar.
Still haven't got the manifold off the drivers side yet, but that's because of the wheel issue. I'll try and get the correct parts tomorrow to carry on.
Head bolts are a tricky size too - somewhere between 15 and 16mm - so using 16 hoping it doesn't slip
On the basis that you already have socket wrench, etc. get a set of imperial sockets like these from halfords.
https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-sets/halfords-18-piece-3/8in-drive-imperial-socket-set-332454.html?_gl=1*1xmlpix*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiA5pq-BhBuEiwAvkzVZW1_Zv_2rGk0Hd-_nSwVqDagVaQqBE-lApTwQfRNnimlMmwUyxTQ2xoCCH8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-sets/halfords-18-piece-3/8in-drive-imperial-socket-set-332454.html?_gl=1*1xmlpix*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiA5pq-BhBuEiwAvkzVZW1_Zv_2rGk0Hd-_nSwVqDagVaQqBE-lApTwQfRNnimlMmwUyxTQ2xoCCH8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Grrrrrr
Technician, Bodgit & Scarper Ltd
I guess who ever had this before me decided to swap the wheel bolts, as they aren't the normal 27mm. Looks to be around 22mm - one of the only sizes I haven't got
Today's progress..
Managed to get the exhaust manifold off on the passenger side. Now trying to get to the head bolts - the ones at the back are proving particularly challenging for my kit, I think I might need a breaker bar.
Still haven't got the manifold off the drivers side yet, but that's because of the wheel issue. I'll try and get the correct parts tomorrow to carry on.
Head bolts are a tricky size too - somewhere between 15 and 16mm - so using 16 hoping it doesn't slip
Might have put early L322 wheels on. Or they might be Disco wheels. The former need a spacer.
blue_cheese
Member
Right you were.
Snapped one of my sock size adapters last night.
But the good news is I've got the passenger side head off, after much swearing and knuckle scraping.
Now it's just the much harder driver side left. I've taken the wheel arch out, so if the weather behaves, I'll hopefully get the exhaust manifold off tomorrow and maybe even the head.
Did the head gaskets recently. Had to destroy the manifold heat shield on the drivers side to get it off. So wrapped the manifolds which I think makes it easier to put the head back on. As others advise removing the wheel liner is the way forward, makes getting to the rear manifold bolts so much easier. Not sure how it's done without removing it tbh, Good luck
I've done it but I've got all sorts of wobbly joints.. first time i tried i had to take the liner out though
blue_cheese
Member
Gasket looked in good nick on the passenger side. I'm hoping to see a damaged one on the driver's side, otherwise I'll be in trouble...
I've personally got wobbly joints , just need a few for the wrenches now
I've got something like this.. it's great..I've personally got wobbly joints , just need a few for the wrenches now
blue_cheese
Member
Morning,
Good news is that the heads are off.
Bad news - the gaskets look like they're in pretty good nick to me. I was praying for an obvious blown gasket, but it seems that's not the case.
Good news is that the heads are off.
Bad news - the gaskets look like they're in pretty good nick to me. I was praying for an obvious blown gasket, but it seems that's not the case.
blue_cheese
Member
Show us your block
How long have you had the car?
J
Pictures attached below.
I've only had it a month, got it cheap from a no-reserve auction so I knew the risks.
Has about 85k miles
