Manifold help 5sfe

[adalex]

Long story short I'm going to replace the manifold, I went out a little while and managed to loosen 5 of the 6 nuts holding the manifold to the head problem is I have no idea how to get the nut off on the far left on the bottom underneath the alternator. the other ones i got loose but I can't get to this one. if anybody has done it, I'd appreciate any info
thanks

[dc_98_cam]

Just a few generic comments to assist you .... haven't actually removed that part:
1. get a so-called "prick punch" ... it has a hardened, sharp point ... strike the problem nut on its perimeter in a manner calculated to cause the desirable rotation of said nut. .... the impact must be on the outer most surface of the nut ... striking the center won't work. The sharp point will dig into the 'flat' of the nut.
2. If that doesn't work, find a GM dealer and buy a spray can of their penetrating oil ... expensive ... $12 or so ... but seems to be usually effective .... let soak for a while.
3. If still no success, find a propane hand torch and heat/cool the problem nut a few times .... use caution ... and moderation.
4. If still no luck, repeat steps 1,2,3 until something turns, breaks, or yields in some manner.

... no warranties are expressed or implied within this post

[adalex]

u miss understand i was able to turn the other nuts manually but with a 1/2 drive extension i can't actually turn the nut with the tool the alternator is blocking it

[hill8570]

Is the problem you just can't get to the bolt? I'm drawing a blank on that one, but if it's under the alternator, coming in through the passenger side wheel well (pop off the wheel, and there are a couple of 10mm bolts on bottom-right that let you pull a lot of the mud flap loose). I'm assuming it's not the alternator blocking you -- that's real easy to pop loose (two bolts), but be sure to disconnect the car's battery first -- easy to short something out and blow one of the big expensive fuses.

[adalex]

yes its just that I can't get to the bolt

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by adalex

u miss understand i was able to turn the other nuts manually but with a 1/2 drive extension i can't actually turn the nut with the tool the alternator is blocking it

Sounds like you haven't removed the alternator. Pop loose the (+) terminal of the battery, then remove the two bolts holding the alternator and set it up out of the way (no need to disconnect any wires)...up by the valve cover or the dogbone is usually convenient. If you don't trust it to stay put, use some scrap wire to tie the alternator to the dogbone.

[trdcamry00]

If you have access to 1/4" cheater extensions, it will do the trick. They are like regular extensions but allow some play with the socket. I forgot the correct length needed.

They look like these

http://s.shld.net/is/image/Sears/009...sm=0.9,0.5,0,0


That is what I've usually done in the past if I don't feel like moving the alternator. Keep in mind if you go this route, you might need a deep enough socket to clear the stud.