KV6 Intake Manifold Bolts

[jabberwock95]

Thanks to a coolant leak and a lack of faith in a mobile mechanic (non MG specialist) I've ended up with a partially-dismantled KV6 engine and a poor understanding of how to put it back together again.

My question is: how the hell are you meant to get to the rear bolts on the front intake manifold (the metal bit)? I have a simple socket set but I'm guessing I need to buy something.

[andy willi]

engine please

andy

[jabberwock95]

My bad. It's a KV6 2.5L

[andy willi]

i take it you are on about the alloy manifolds if so i use a 1/4 drive socket set to do them.

andy

[jabberwock95]

It's more the inaccessible nature of the three bolts underneath the front manifold. Do I just need a long extension or is there some special knack to getting to them?

Also, is it imperative that they are torqued correctly using a torque wrench?

[BigRuss]

As Andy said above you'll need a 1/4 drive socket with a universal joint and a couple of long extensions fitted to the ratchet

You may find it useful when you're putting them back in to use a bit of tape to hold the bolt into the socket.
Helps from dropping it down the V

Russ

Russ

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by jabberwock95

Also, is it imperative that they are torqued correctly using a torque wrench?

I always do exactly that Jonathan for three reasons:

• If a torque is specified I abide by it.
• I've never had the inlet manifold gasket leaks of which some members complain.
• I love precision!

Also, did you use the word "correctly"? Ah yes, you did.

Simon

[Lord of Hog]

I had this very thing at the weekend while tracing a small coolant leak on my V6. The correct procedure, which I of course adhered to religiously is:

1. Ask mechanic if he has a girlfriend
2. Ask to see photo of same in order to estimate size of hands
3. Enquire if she likes engines
4. If the answer to "3" above is "yes" then get her to come round and insert her small hand into the available gap and guide/hold the socket onto the bolt.

If you don't have access to the above solution then a 1/4" ratchet with extension inserted through the gaps in the R/H (rear) manifold works fine.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by marinabrian

You are unlikely to find anything like this type of quality at Halfords or Screwfix, and if looked after, it will see you to the end of the time you wish to work on cars.

I use Norbar torque wrenches too Jonathan. They are available brand new from specialist tool shops on the internet and the company has a helpful technical advice and recalibration department in Banbury (if I remember the location correctly).

But good tools are expensive so don't be tempted to waste your money on something inferior as Brian warns. The price will be not much more than a hour's labour at a garage and that saving will be repeated over and over again on future jobs.

Simon

[andy willi]

hi i use signet tools but you must have all torque wrenches calibrated every year , i have to have this done if i dont i cant use them ,

andy