Inlet Manifold Refitting

[JeffW]

Hi all

I blew either one of my inlet manifold gaskets or a head gasket. Starting with the easiest first, I have removed the carbs and inlet manifold, purchased SOC Spares new gaskets, however when refitting the manifold I cannot get the final bolts to line up. I have tried the lever trick as shown in the Rimmer’s YouTube video, but I can’t get the manifold to move down enough to get the thread started in any of the bolts. It doesn’t matter which port I thread first, the opposite side will always be out.

Having read previous threads on this, to answer a few points in advance -

- I don't know if the heads have been skimmed.
- The manifold sits flat on the heads without gaskets and does not rock back and forth when tested.
- most of the holes have been previously helicoiled, however one is damaged so need to get it out.

Any ideas why this is so difficult? Gaskets too thick?

EDIT - just to say I have seen the various posts about using a block of wood and bottle jacks, a piece of wood and ratchet straps and the accompanying posts that say not to use those techniques. I have also seen the ones saying drill out the hole larger but I am not that brave!

Thanks

Jeff

[Andes]

I had a similar problem and used thinner gaskets as my heads had been skimmed.....worked a treat. Supplies by James Paddock

[JeffW]

Thanks Andes - I saw JP's had 'thin' gaskets so will give those a try.

Jeff

[elvimto]

I made my own thin gaskets from gasket material we use at work I also reamed the holes out just a bit after that the holes lined up and the manifold fitted. The heads had been cut I have thick head gaskets. I made some plates to cover the gaskets when I glued them to the heads to hold them in place and left them overnight and used Hylomar then fitted the manifold the next day.That was a few years ago and it is all still good.

[PJ60]

I removed the inlet manifold to replace the water pump with a bung for an external electric water pump and it had been fitted with thick gaskets. I didn't touch the heads. I then helicoiled the heads, bought new gaskets the same thickness and tried to refit the manifold. It wouldn't line up! I opened up the manifold holes a bit - still no luck. In the end I ordered thin gaskets and Wellseal and managed to bolt the manifold on. I have no idea why it wouldn't fit using the same manifold thickness but it was a nightmare that I don't want to repeat anytime soon!
Jon

[Kithmo]

So if you fit new head gaskets then re-torque the head bolts later, do you have to loosen and re-tighten the inlet manifold at the same time ?

[JeffW]

I removed the inlet manifold to replace the water pump with a bung for an external electric water pump and it had been fitted with thick gaskets. I didn't touch the heads. I then helicoiled the heads, bought new gaskets the same thickness and tried to refit the manifold. It wouldn't line up! I opened up the manifold holes a bit - still no luck. In the end I ordered thin gaskets and Wellseal and managed to bolt the manifold on. I have no idea why it wouldn't fit using the same manifold thickness but it was a nightmare that I don't want to repeat anytime soon!
Jon

Exactly my thoughts! Reads so easy in the ROM yet I can’t for the life of me get them to fit. Will try the thin gaskets next but of course I am worried it will leak.

And I have to get one helicoil out before I can start again...

Thanks all all for the responses. Glad I am not alone!

Jeff