- Mar 27, 2012
- 21
I am replacing the exhaust manifold on my 09 97x with the 4.2. I had this done on my 04 Trailblazer a long time ago but decided to tackle it myself this time.
I purchased a Dorman manifold which has all the hardware and seems to be a quality part.
So far I have had great success. I removed the air box, windshield washer reservoir, power steering pump, relocated the dipsticks and upper AC hose. This gave me a great access to the manifold.
When I removed the heat shield I could see the crack on number 1 cylinder where the manifold collector is. It appears to be cracked about 3/4 of the way around.
I was able to get all the manifold to head bolts free. I soaked them with Kroil for a while and then used a 3/8" ratchet. ( I am totally sold on Kroil, best penetrating oil I ever found) I worked the bolts back and forth as I was removing them. I did this for all 11 bolts, YES 11. The factory never put a bolt at the bottom of number 6 cylinder. It seems odd it isn't there. I plan to put a new one in.
I tightened all the manifold bolts back down and went underneath to remove the exhaust pipe from the manifold. I cannot seem to get a straight shot to the nuts on the manifold flange. Does anyone have suggestions on routing an extension to get to the nuts? Did you get them from above or below?
I was able to get one free via the wheel well. There are three nuts on the flange and the one closest to the wheel well came free. I can't seem to get the other two.
I am open to suggestions / recommendations on this as I plan to attack it in the morning.
I will post pictures of all this tomorrow.
I purchased a Dorman manifold which has all the hardware and seems to be a quality part.
So far I have had great success. I removed the air box, windshield washer reservoir, power steering pump, relocated the dipsticks and upper AC hose. This gave me a great access to the manifold.
When I removed the heat shield I could see the crack on number 1 cylinder where the manifold collector is. It appears to be cracked about 3/4 of the way around.
I was able to get all the manifold to head bolts free. I soaked them with Kroil for a while and then used a 3/8" ratchet. ( I am totally sold on Kroil, best penetrating oil I ever found) I worked the bolts back and forth as I was removing them. I did this for all 11 bolts, YES 11. The factory never put a bolt at the bottom of number 6 cylinder. It seems odd it isn't there. I plan to put a new one in.
I tightened all the manifold bolts back down and went underneath to remove the exhaust pipe from the manifold. I cannot seem to get a straight shot to the nuts on the manifold flange. Does anyone have suggestions on routing an extension to get to the nuts? Did you get them from above or below?
I was able to get one free via the wheel well. There are three nuts on the flange and the one closest to the wheel well came free. I can't seem to get the other two.
I am open to suggestions / recommendations on this as I plan to attack it in the morning.
I will post pictures of all this tomorrow.