[Golfhacker64]

Anyone have any tips on replacing the exhaust manifold gasket on a 1991 Tercel 3EE? I am seeing moisture around the ends of the manifold where it connects to the engine and I am getting an obvious exhaust leak noise when the car is running. The manifold seems to be in good condition so, I can only assume one of the gaskets is broken. I don't have access to power tools, only hand tools. This may be out of my league but, I thought I would give it a try if it is possible. I don't want to have to remove the exhaust, just unbolt the manifold if possible. I appreciate any help you can give. Please let me know if this is better left to the pros. Thanks.Mike

 

[4agetercel]

i think you shold be able to handle it, its only 6 nuts, just unbolt the bracket that hold your downpipe to the block and you should have enough movement to replace the gaskets

 

[Golfhacker64]

Is there a way to get the torque close without a torque wrench? I don't have one but, if I need to, I guess I'll have to pick one up.

 

[igonuts2]

Its been my experience that oem exhaust manifold bolts may break upon removal or install. I would pre-treat them w/ some sort of penetration fluid and let soak. And if they are of questionable condition, replace. No one likes using easy-outs.
Just trying to hep

 

[4agetercel]

torque wrench?

I only ever use one on major things like head bolts and connecting rods and that fun stuff, i dont waste my time torquing the exhaust mainifold, just make it tight enough not to fall off,

 

[Tercelerat0r]

I would highly recommend using some PB blaster on the bolts, what I did was i used it twice a day for two days and then hit it once more and the bolts came right out with some convincing of course


btw, if you haven't already bought the gaskets I have some that I'm trying to get rid of. Never used, bought to replace the old gaskets on my 3ee that turned out to be trashed(catastrophic failure, I get to put in that 5efe i've been wanting). A reasonable price can be worked out :thumbsup: PM me if you're interested.

 

[coolworld]

you should replace the exhaust manifold gasket otherwise it will create some major problem for you

 

[Tercelerat0r]

@coolworld if that was directed at me(not sure, but anyways) I don't need the gaskets cause my 3ee is pretty much a hunk of metal that isn't worth a whole lot.....http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290924 <---thats the thread containing the sad story of the death of my 3ee :sosad:

 

[Golfhacker64]

Tercelerat0r, Thanks for the offer. I did already order them thru RockAuto, should be here in a couple of days. I have been spraying them with penetrating oil for the last couple of days. I checked them today and 3 of the 4 will turn. The last one will get more oil for the next few days. I plan on doing the replacement this weekend. Whats your opinion on a torque wrench? Should I use one or just tighten them until they are tight. Thanks for your help.

 

[Tercelerat0r]

Dude, there's 6 nuts. I did the same thing, didn't realize there are 2 more on the bottom of the manifold...so you might want to make sure you spray those bad boys too :lol:

I would say you don't need a torque wrench, just use the tried and true german gnt(good 'n tight) method.

 

[wayfastwhitie]

i use german torque specs. good'n'tight lolz. just snug them down then like 1/2 a turn more.

 

[Tercelerat0r]

i use german torque specs. good'n'tight lolz. just snug them down then like 1/2 a turn more.

Yeah man :banana:

 

[Golfhacker64]

Thanks, I found the other two on the bottom. I need suggestions because, I can loosen 5 of the six nuts after using penetrating oil but, the lower one on the driver's side won't budge. I have sprayed it at least 4-5 times with penetrating oil with no results. I have tried to loosen it when the engine is still hot and when cold, no go. Any ideas on how to get this nut loose? I really don't want to take it to a shop ($$$) but, I don't want to break it either. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[wayfastwhitie]

try to turn it both ways. like try to tighten it then loosen it. also tighten all the other bolts, then try to loosen that one.

 

[igonuts2]

replace bolts (new).....
put all of the (new) bolts back in to torque and work on the difficult one as you do this. it will help take the pressure of the difficult one.
warm the engine. then shut off. add your pet oil as it cools. help suck it in. another trick is to use wax. you can take a punch and strike the head of the bolt to shock it loose. come straight down on the bolt head so you dont break it.


edit...
if you take it to a shop, they are just gonna take their chances w/an impact. brake or not. then charge you for extraction.
you might pull the radiator to give yourself better access and rent an impact. 20bucks. almost worth buying one. make sure you use a six piont socket. it xfers the torque better.

 

[Golfhacker64]

Well, I took the Tercel to Midas because I couldn't get the last bolt loose and guess what? It's not the exhaust manifold gasket, it is the gasket between the manifold and downpipe. Midas wanted to replace the pipe and the two gaskets to the tune of $400!!! I told them I had to think about it, went to Pep Boys, ordered the gasket for $1.99 and will replace it myself. It's nice to finally save some money. Now the Tercel is nice and quiet again.

 

[SiennaCruza]

Hey guys, I'm trying to install an exhaust gasket to replace one that has cracked right in between the seems of before the catalytic flanges meet. Problem is the 92 tercel is so old that it's like a stub bolts corroded in with no visible means of approaching. What should I do, it's the only leak in the entire exhaust system.