removing inlet manifold, polishing/cleaning alloy

[simon a-b]

Hi all,

I'm preparing to take the engine out as the next stage in my reno... and want to take inlet manifold/carbs off for better access/view of proceedings.  The whole lot is covered in nasty alloy corrosion from when I shipped it so I want to give it all a good clean. 

Problem is I can't get the manifold off... I've removed 9 nuts and washers, loosened the hose supplying the water rail below the inlets; is it just frozen on?  I've given it some fairly big whacks, including usling a large screwdriver to direct the shock to the mounting plate... have I missed something? 

If I have to take the carbs off the manifold that'd do so I could just leave it in the 'too hard' basket and ignore...

once it's off I'll replace corroded nuts etc, any advice on cleaning?  and is there any treatment I can put on clean alloy (some sort of clear coat) to keep it clean?  since I don't plan to strip the carbs I would have to be able to apply it with a brush... car is an '82 NA S3

thanks in advance,

Simon

Edited January 21, 2013 by simon a-b

[Esprit_Emperor]

Hello,

 

 With the carbs and all the hoses off etc. I Used a rubber hammer and gave the inlet alot of small knocks here and there and  viola!

 

/Fred

[Mike6]

Carb cleaner works a treat. Inexpensive and available from ebay.

[Sparky]

You just need to keep worrying it. The gasket alone will be holding it very tight.

 

And in my experience, stringed musical instruments won't help at all.

[simon a-b]

Thanks all, I'll give it another go tonight.  Did always wonder what violas were for, now I know...

[Sir Paolo]

Inlet m/folds have to be secure, they're often used to lift engine/transmissions!

[Wally Finland]

Has anyone tried soda blasting to inlet manifold? I have the blasting system and I think that this should do the trick to clean outside nicely.

[molemot]

I've got a feeling in the back of my mind that there is a nut and stud, or maybe a setscrew or bolt, that one can easily overlook when removing the inlet manifold.

I know it's got late now, but I'm watching the Lotus 25 on my recording of the Monaco GP Historique....aaaahhhhh....and it was on pole, too.....such a pretty car....

[naasaa]

Or use glass or corinth for blasting.

Looks great on alu.

 

A great tip is to aply a thin layer of vaseline on the new gasket sealing surface before fitment.

Then its are much easier to disassemble parts later on.

 

Lars