Engine removal without exhaust manifold

[paul_GB]

After some effort the engine in my 230 is ready to be lifted out... However.. I am struggling to disconnect the exhaust manifolds from the down pipe, it's the only thing left to do. Note, the inlet manifold is off already. They seem almost bonded. Is it possible to (has anyone managed to) hoist the engine in such a way to simultaneously pull the manifolds off the head studs? In situ the manifolds only slide about halfway off the studs before they foul on the inner wing.

Any tips appreciated

 

[mbzse]

...has anyone managed to hoist the engine in such a way to simultaneously pull the manifolds off the head studs?

As described in this Forum (by JoeA and Naj I think) you may consider loosening the engine head (the head bolts, remember also the smaller M8 ones) and lift the head slightly to clear the pins in the top of the  block. Then slide it sideways until free of the stud bolts.
/Hans in Sweden
.

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi,

Once the head is out of the way, you will have room to twist the manifolds free.
Lot of pre-soaking with plus gas or similar penetrant.
Do you have cast iron manifolds or the original early 230 '3 into one' ?

naj

[Pinder]

I had a similar problem to separate the manifold from the down pipe. I took the manifold off wirth down pipe attached.   I tried a lot of different things to get it off and what works best is heat the joing and beat it off. I used my Yellow blow torch (not the blue bottles) it burns much hotter. it will come off easy this way. (home depot sells the yellow gas bottles. It gets thing hot very quick.

[ja17]

Raising the exhaust slightly from below with a floor jack (near the front).  Will help the head clear the block, for removal. It is possible to remove the block at this point, with the manifolds still attached to the exhaust system, but not recommended as it becomes more complicated. Instead use the additional space to work the manifolds loose.

[stickandrudderman]

I once had manifolds that were so stuck to the downpipes that even getting them glowing cherry red with the oxy/acetylene they still refused to budge.

[ja17]

Yes Stick, some of these are very difficult. Lots of heat and some blows with my soft, heavy, copper mallet usually will get it done. Be careful, the cast iron is brittle and will break!

[Pinder]

i also remember now that i also used a very long Crow bar to leaver it off. it was a snap on tool looks like a screw driver but bent like a crowbar.

[Benz Dr.]

In the case where you can't get the manifolds to disconnect from the front pipes, this may be the only viable method of removal. You may not want to remove your cylinder head but it might be your best choice to do so. Once you have the head out of the way, then you can twist on the pipes without fear of breaking the manifolds, and in particular, the rear one.

[Cees Klumper]

I suppose one option is to just cut off the downpipes just below the manifold, so that the rest of it can be cut off once the manifold is out of the car. If you have to choose between the downpipes and the manifold, price-wise the best choice would be the pipes which, unless stainless, have to be replaced at some point anyway.

[Benz Dr.]

That's another option, which when you look at it, all should be considered before you act.

[paul_GB]

Great advice thanks guys. I exhausted all options (pardon the pun) to try separating the manifold from the downpipes. I could had persisted but I got to the point where I was expecting something to break from repeatedly applying heat and blows with the soft faced hammer (call me a coward). After considering the options (Dr Benz advice)... I rhad another go at 'wangling' the manifolds (still connected to the pipes) off the cylinder head studs. By hoisting the engine very slightly, removing the alloy engine mount arms and all parts on the IP side i got a degree of lateral engine movement. Then placed a jack between the block and the inner wing (in between the exhaust manifolds) and gently pulled the engine over to one side at the same time as jiggling the manifolds. Finally after a much effort and swearing the manifolds pulled off the studs!! I tied the exhaust tight to the inner wing as I manoeuvred the engine up and out. So, I can report it is possible to pull the engine without removing the head first or separating the exhaust manifolds. The engine/autobox is now on the floor of my garage

[Benz Dr.]

See, you figured out a new way to do it. You followed our advice and adapted to the situation in front of you. Good work......... your hired.