#1 |
I know there's some tech articles and previous threads on the subject but I wanted to add my experience with removing the manifold and turbo from my 88.
First, I sprayed all bolts that I was going to loosen with WD-40 Specialist penetrating oil several times for several days before the task. I don't know if anyone has used this penetrating oil before but it's the best one I've ever used. Not only does it break up the rust but it also causes a chemical reaction that literally heats up the bolt/nut connection being sprayed. My plan was to take out all manifold bolts, oil and coolant flare fittings and the two nuts on the slip joint connection on the downpipe. Previous owner removed the turbo support bracket so I didn't have to worry about that.
First, I drained some coolant from radiator. I didn't see the point in draining the entire thing so I siphoned about half out of the radiator. It worked; didn't spill any coolant from the turbo flare connections. I loosened the flare fittings for the oil supply and coolant return connections. The oil return has two 8mm bolts holding the flange to the turbo. The coolant supply has a flexible hose that can be slipped off with some persuasion.
The slip joint on the downpipe was next with two 15mm(??) nuts. This required a lot of extensions and ratchet knuckles. I also removed the turbo intake connection and several intercooling pipes to make some room. Lastly I removed all the manifold bolts. I used a half inch ratchet and 17 mm sockets with a pipe as a breaker bar to gently loosen the bolts.
I know from the factory, there wasn't a gasket between the manifold and cylinder head but the previous owner used one. When I got the manifold out, the gasket fell apart into two pieces so there's one problem. The turbo gasket actually didn't look too bad but it's getting replaced as well. I broke the turbo loose from the manifold on a bench; lots of penetrating oil and the two wrench trick to create more leverage. That's my uneventful experience with removing the turbo and manifold.
I have two questions; should I reuse the oil return flange gasket or make a new one? And second question is, how can I check to see if the downpipe to turbo connection is leaking or not? Thanks everyone!
First, I sprayed all bolts that I was going to loosen with WD-40 Specialist penetrating oil several times for several days before the task. I don't know if anyone has used this penetrating oil before but it's the best one I've ever used. Not only does it break up the rust but it also causes a chemical reaction that literally heats up the bolt/nut connection being sprayed. My plan was to take out all manifold bolts, oil and coolant flare fittings and the two nuts on the slip joint connection on the downpipe. Previous owner removed the turbo support bracket so I didn't have to worry about that.
First, I drained some coolant from radiator. I didn't see the point in draining the entire thing so I siphoned about half out of the radiator. It worked; didn't spill any coolant from the turbo flare connections. I loosened the flare fittings for the oil supply and coolant return connections. The oil return has two 8mm bolts holding the flange to the turbo. The coolant supply has a flexible hose that can be slipped off with some persuasion.
The slip joint on the downpipe was next with two 15mm(??) nuts. This required a lot of extensions and ratchet knuckles. I also removed the turbo intake connection and several intercooling pipes to make some room. Lastly I removed all the manifold bolts. I used a half inch ratchet and 17 mm sockets with a pipe as a breaker bar to gently loosen the bolts.
I know from the factory, there wasn't a gasket between the manifold and cylinder head but the previous owner used one. When I got the manifold out, the gasket fell apart into two pieces so there's one problem. The turbo gasket actually didn't look too bad but it's getting replaced as well. I broke the turbo loose from the manifold on a bench; lots of penetrating oil and the two wrench trick to create more leverage. That's my uneventful experience with removing the turbo and manifold.
I have two questions; should I reuse the oil return flange gasket or make a new one? And second question is, how can I check to see if the downpipe to turbo connection is leaking or not? Thanks everyone!
88 Turbo Coupe: Front mount intercooler, MGW short throw shifter, full coilover conversion, tubular control arms front and rear, svo front brakes, vacuum assist brake swap, manual steering swap, GT35R turbo with external gate, pimpx ecu, 60lb injectors, 3 core aluminum radiator, Boport 1.5 cam, gutted upper, corbeau fixed back seats, and the list goes on.