i have been tracking down a small idle problem and i'm only getting about 350mmHg of vaccum at idle so i figured i had a small vacuum leak. the only vacuum thing i havent checked is the LIM/block gasket.

my question is, can i get the LIM off with my turbo still on? i dont want this vacuum thing to turn into a big project removing a turbo.

 

if your gonna do it, do it right... its really not that hard to pull the turbo.

 

yes but it takes much much longer.

edit: your car looks really good.

 

i believe that you can, with some extensions, universal etc... The shop manual will tell you, or maybe even the haynes. That thing is never an easy operation though.

 

Good luck getting the two 'middle' bolts off the LIM, also the bottom 'rear' bolt on the LIM is hard aswell...

I ended up doing mine the normal way and taking the turbo/manifold off.

It will most probably end up quicker taking the turbo/manifold off before trying to contort you hands into werid and wonderful positions they were never supposed to be in just to get the LIM off.

 

Keep in mind that you also need to put it back on !
Unbolt the Turbo, it will make your life so much easier.

 

I don't see any way you could do it. Keep in mind there are 2 o-rings in there that are very important...and easy to screw up. I have taken many an engine apart that the owner said they had chronic coolant loss/overheating problems with, but could not find the problem, and I found one or both of those orings to be improperly installed and leaking.

I would also doubt that is your problem as far as vacuum. IF left undisturbed, that thick *** gasket is not just going to break on it's own.