Exhaust manifold removal - BX 16v (Pug Mi16)

Any hints or tips for removing the exhaust manifold on my '89 BX 16v? By
getting the car up on ramps I can get to the lower set of five nuts/studs,
but the upper four are buried "under" the head and behind some coolant pipes
that go across the back of the engine.

The engine is tilted back at such an angle it is nearly impossible to get to
the nuts from above. Any ideas...the gasket is blowing so the job *has* to
be done :-/

Thanks

 

Clive,

Did the head gasket on my BX diesel admitedly different engine - but same
enginebay and tilted backwards transverse engine problem etc. The only
solution I found was to remove the three nuts and separate the downpipe from
exhaust manifold (admitedly this is a bitch of a job as well - but is
possible), remove all the cooling pipes, head bolts etc and lift (with an
assistant) the head with manifolds attached. With head on a bench it is
possible to remove the manifold/head bolts - but using 3/8 drive sockets
and long reach extension bars..

Hope this helps

Sydney

 

Easiest to remove exhaust downpipe, remove the coolant pipes that run round
the back of the engine and
you should be able to get the manifold off. Last did one of these 12 years
ago though when I was working for Citroen. A complete
arse of a job, even with a hydraulic lift! You'll need a 3/8 socket set and
a long extention bar..

Good luck!

Mike