Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Sun 13 Mar 2005 20:35

Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat - Ian D

I have a 1990 Passat Estate 1.8 GL which has covered 78000 miles. The exhaust manifold gasket at the back of the head has started blowing. I was hoping to be able to fix it and want to confirm that that it is possible to change the gasket without removing the head. Is there space to do it? Is there space to drop the downpipe OK?
I suspect that if any of the studs shear off it is a head off job but hope that if they don't it can be done. Anyone been there on this one?? Thanks

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Sun 13 Mar 2005 21:13

Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat - steveo3002

it can be done in situ if all goes well, id be prepared for the worst though if i were you

or consider using a garage because they can use gas to heat the rusted nuts

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Mon 14 Mar 2005 21:04

Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat - Ian D

Thanks for the info, I dropped into a local helpful VW specialist and he said with a good soaking of WD40 and some heat on the exhaust manifold nuts 8 times out of 10 it can be done fine.... Knowing my luck...

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Tue 15 Mar 2005 10:33

Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat - GrahamF1

Try some penetrating oil, gets in further than WD-40.

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Tue 15 Mar 2005 21:25

Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat - Ian D

Thanks GrahamF1, I use Plusgas which is an excellent penetrating fluid. Soaked everything this evening, will start unbolting tomorrow....

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Wed 16 Mar 2005 13:18

Blowing exhaust manifold-1990 Passat - GrahamF1

Agreed, Plusgas is the best for loosening stubborn fixings. It was only recently that I found out what it was, through this forum actually.

I may even buy some soon. The sports manifold & exhaust for my Spitfire will arrive soon and I don't like the look of the nuts on the existing manifold!

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