Re: Merc Manifold Replacement
Some advice on replacing the manifolds: Get two bolts longer than the manifold bolts. Cut the heads off. Screw them into the two outer holes. That will support the manifold as you remove the center bolts. Then, depending on the layout of your engine bay, you can either slide the mainfold off the headless bolts and remove it, or, if there's not enough room, remove the headless bolts and lift the manifold. Careful - if the manifold slips, you'll break the spark plugs in half - the voice of experience! Use new manifold bolts. Don't forget to run a drawfile flat across the surfaces of the manifolds and the risers to remove any residual casting slag. I found a strong, thin-walled 9/16" socket at Sears. I suggest you buy two, just in case you crack one as to use it. Spray some liquid wrench on the bolts and let it sit for a while before you try to remove the bolts. I suggest you first loosen the bolts with a breaker bar rather than a rachet. The pressure of the loosening may crack a socket or strip the teeth on a rachet. I used a long 1/2" drive breaker bar and a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter. Watch your knuckles! Good luck. Hy
