Gold V6 engine out - head gasket

[Dieselman]

You're doing a great job Matthew, just keep going.

As a matter of interest, how do you get the steering gear heat-shield off with the engine in situ, I am removing the engine and getting to the exhaust bolt is a challenge, but just might be possible with the heat shield off.

[Dean]

There is a 10mm tin nut at the ram end on top of the sheild and a wire loop that goes around the head of the pinion valve valve and hooks through holes in the sheild with little legs bent 90 deg in the ends, how you go from there is engine dependant, on the i i just climb over thge engine and bring it out with me, on the tct i like to start with the number plate and work my way back.

Exellent Job Matthew cant wait to see this car next year, ive always liked it and your making a good job of it. Im sure you know that engine bay inside out by now

D

[robert_e_smart]

Hi Will,

Pull the engine out as far forward as you can with the exhaust on, and get a 9" grinder with no shield on it, and use that to cut the two bolts. Its the easiest way.

I thought the shield on the rack was just a push on fit?

Matthew,

Great work, please fell free to send some stuff to XMinations if you have the time.

[Dieselman]

Pull the engine out as far forward as you can with the exhaust on, and get a 9" grinder with no shield on it, and use that to cut the two bolts. Its the easiest way.

That's plan A now. I got one bolt out OK but can't get onto the head of the other one properly.

Sorry to Matthew for taking this thread off topic.

[MTXM]

Thanks for your comments guys and encouragement in my labours! In response to Will's query, the steering rack heat shield on my car is fixed just by two clips, one over the rack body and the other against a vertical strut off the subframe. I had to cut the rear manifold bolts to disconnect my exhaust, but another possibility is to release the front section of the exhaust further back (or cat in my case) and then pull the engine forward to create more space. I shall certainly put together a little article for you Robert, once I have finished the task! With regards, Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

Thanks Matthew for the info.
I got the rack and exhaust off, the rack shield is as dean said, with a retaining nut, the exhaust was having none of normal methods so angle grinder to the rescue.

I'll take a piccie of the car tomorrow, Fred Flintstone would be pleased with the end result. I couldn't believe how much the sunroof weighed.

[Dean]

I couldn't believe how much the sunroof weighed.

yes, ive got a couple spare and was also amazed at just how heavy they are, you really notice as you try to pass it over your head and out the tailgate.

D

[Dieselman]

I couldn't believe how much the sunroof weighed.

yes, ive got a couple spare and was also amazed at just how heavy they are, you really notice as you try to pass it over your head and out the tailgate.

D

Tailgate..oh, yes, that was heavy too..

[robert_e_smart]

Your car is going to weigh into nothing now Will!!

[Dieselman]

I know, but I should be able to get a steel only price and the bits are either useful to me or saleable. I actually wanted the tailgate anyway and the roof will always be useful as so many have failed.

I intended to take the car today but couldn't so spent the extra time stripping ALL the copper wiring out. Will see how much it gets.