celbii

iTrader: (2)

Hey all,
My car is pretty rusty to start off so alot of bolts are hard to get off. I am taking off the heatshield to the manifold so I can install RB headers. Working from then engine bay I got the two side nuts off, had to dremel around one that was rounded. That allowed me to pull off the bottom part of the heat shield(Looked like there was two bottom bolts but the shield was rusted there). I could not remove the top part so I looked and felt a nut on top. Theres no way for me to really get to it since theres hardly any room there, I did get a wrench on it but it felt like it was already a bit rounded and my wrench would just slip on it. Is there any trick to get this thing off!!??!

Thanks

Tui

iTrader: (2)

If those nuts are rounded so you can't get them off with a socket with extension, then you need to remove the Lower Intake Manifold so you can get at those nuts with more aggressive tools.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Last time I took off one of those just ripped the **** out of it,and cut at it with snips.I got the Manifold off.
I am sure I removed the 5/6 port actuators to get at the top bolts too.
You are putting on a Header,so if that part is not needed,GO AT IT!..kill it!

celbii

iTrader: (2)

Yeah that may end up being what I have to do.. If i take of the 5/6 ports do I need new gaskets for them?

Thanks

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Ya,I'd would recommend it,They are real cheap,like $5 bucks for both.(Mazda)
If you feel Handy you could make them up with some thin paper gasket or even use RTV,But you would really have to watch that you don't clog the Hole that the actuator uses for air
To take them off just undo the 2-10mm nuts,and give them a little tap with a hammer.The gasket will have stuck the Actuator on there good by now,so it needs a little persuasion to get it off.
Wiggle the actuator plunger off the semi circular arm PIN and it comes off no problem.

archaphil

iTrader: (1)

Yep, I remember fighting this damned thing to get a swivel socket in there... and I finally said %!@# you! and grabbed my Metal snip's and ripped it out of there like a Rottweiler. Installed my RB header, and drank a beer!

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

I'm glad that there are others out there that have the same initiative and Vast amount of patience that I I do..lol
Fugg it..snip,rip,flip,done!

celbii

iTrader: (2)

Just to leave an update.

Got it off, the one between the two ports ended up being rusted through and broke around the nut pretty quickly, and soaked the other top nut for a bit and was able to get a wrench on it and break it free without stripping it, then flip the wrench over for the ratcheting part to make removal alot easier lol. We then put the car on a lift and cut the heat shield off around the o2 sensor since it seems frozen on there. Now I just need to get some gaskets and hope that the manifold isnt a bitch to get off... Is removal of the 5th and 6th ports necessary to get it off?

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

It allows a clear shot at the top manifold bolts with an extension and 14mm socket.
I'm not exactly a Spring chicken so I did this up top,not from under the car.