5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

[tfret]

OK, 5.7L mercruiser, engine in the boat, I'm trying to put the exhaust manifolds back on while holding the four bolts in place while holding the gasket in place, while trying not to get a hernia. It would be a little easier if I could glue the gaskets in place first with gasket sealer, but I read somewhere they are supposed to go on dry. Please give me some tips on how to get these back on with two hands. Thank you.

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

I cut the heads off two long bolts and cut a slot in the non threaded end. Then screw them in one of the manifold bolt holes. Install the gasket and manifold, put in some of the bolts, remove the guide pins and your done.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

Or using the longer riser bolt ,start that in a middle hole to support the manifold. Install the 2 outer bolts
with a few threads and remove the support bolt. You want the manifold to be away from the head slightly.Take the gasket and notch the 2 end holes from the bottom so they slip over the bolts. Use a spare bolt for size. Slip the gasket in between the manifold and head hooking the ends over the bolts.install remaining bolts and tighten to specs.

 

[tfret]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

Of course! I'm off to Lowes for some 3/8" all thread. Once again I thank you gentlemen!

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

3 words. ALU MI NUM
-)

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

3 words. ALU MI NUM
-)

I don't know, I can buy a lot of bolts to cut the heads off for the price of going to aluminum manifolds and replacing them more often that iron.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

Ah, the difference between a DIY guy and a real marine mechanic. Real marine mechanics have three arms and 8 fingers on each hand.

Naawww,... it's just that Real Mechanics are Handy enough to build all those extra fingers, 'n arms....

Speakin' of fingers, 'n arms,...
Over the years, I've gathered a Toolbox drawer Fulla cut off bolts of darn near every diameter, thread pitch, 'n length....
Metric, 'n sae....

 

[dan t.]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

But what would come in reeeel handy is another elbow between the wrist and the one you already have.

 

[Split Shot]

Re: 5.7L re-installing exhaust manifolds, not enough hands, how to do this alone??

Ah, the difference between a DIY guy and a real marine mechanic. Real marine mechanics have three arms and 8 fingers on each hand.

And they acutally know what their doing!