Manifold removal with A/C Bracket

[doitwright]

I am attempting to remove my exhaust manifolds.  The manifold to the front of the engine has its flange under the bracket for the alternator/A/C compressor.  Am I in for hours of dissassembly work just to get the manifold off?  Can the compressor be unbolted and left hanging while I undo the bracket or does everything need to come out?  Since I am installing a new exhaust system, I wanted to clean-up and paint the mainfolds.  My A/C system is not blowing cold air and was going to take it in to have checked out.  I thought it would time for some updating of components so maybe removing the compressor would need to be done anyway.

Frank K.

1970 280SL Light Ivory
1972 911 Targa

[ja17]

Hello Frank,

Unfortunately the front exhaust manifold is not removable without removing the AC bracket. Removing the AC bracket is a major ordeal if you are not experienced. The compressor is usually left on the bracket and both are removed together. Removal of the hood is advised.
The hood, fan blade, waterpump , vibration dampner and possibly the radiator with AC condensor,  are just some the items you will have to remove it you intend on removing the AC bracket. A real workout for even a pro.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[J. Huber]

Just curious Joe. Is removal of manifolds a liitle or a lot less of an ordeal for an early car with no AC? Thanks.

James
63 230SL

[doitwright]

After posting this question, I found through another post on this site, a schematic (http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/tom230sl/2005102823587_Install_AC-3.jpg) that shows the A/C / alternator bracket and the bolts that hold it to the block.  Now at least I have an idea of what I am looking for.  I count a total of 8 bolts including the 2 tubular brackets and the 3 bolts behind the A/C compressor.  It looks like the compressor needs to be removed before the 3 bolts can be accessed.  Might be a project I leave for another time.

Frank K.

1970 280SL Light Ivory
1972 911 Targa

[ja17]

Hello James,

Yes engines with no AC are much more accessable. The AC Bracket covers nearly everything on the front of the engine including the water pump. A simple v-belt change on AC cars becomes much more complicated. Additional time is added to  many procedures on cars equiped with AC. The factory flat rate manual adds additional 1.5 hours for water pump removal, waterpump and housing add 2.9, lower thermostat housing add 4.8 hrs,  replacement of all water hoses add 4.1 hrs., lower radiator hose add 1.1hr, add 4.1 hrs. to remove and replace cylinder head, etc. etc.

Now these times are for factory trained Mercedes Technicians, with ideal working conditions, with all the special Mercedes tools on hand and on the cars when new. The week-end-warrior, working in less than ideal conditions, without all the factory tools, and on 35 year old engines with stuck bolts and years of grime, should plan on much longer times!

Some aftermarket later design systems may have smaller compressors and a simpler AC bracket improving engine access.

The one item easier to work on with an AC engine is the alternator which is moved from down below to the right on top of the engine.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[doitwright]

Has anyone ever tried removing the manifold studs in the head?  It looks like if I removed 2 of them, the manifold could slide to the left and then out.

Frank K.

1970 280SL Light Ivory
1972 911 Targa

[ja17]

Hello Frank,

Removal of the studs with the manifolds on would be nearly impossible, risky also, I have seen studs, stuck from age, and break off during attempted removal!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio