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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tightening Bottom Two Exhaust Manifold Bolts

Has anyone found any decent tool for tightening the two exhaust manifold bolts hidden under the inlet manifold on a 1500?

I have the long bolts fitted but they are still a pig to tighten and seem impossible to get too with the carbs on the car.

Thanks
Tim

Tim Lynam

Tim,
I've just had a quick look in the Archives as I can’t remember the answer and there was talk of box spanner (wrench) and using flange nuts next (that rang a bit of a bell?) and -

. Sacrificial combination spanner, cut off open end and as much of the handle part as required, grind away the ring end wall as required.

. Or long handled open-ended spanner by reaching up from underneath, you can only turn about 1/16th of a turn at a time before having to flip the spanner over, so long slow job.
Or open-ended spanner, jaw 90 degrees to nut so that you’re on two flats then use another spanner or bar at the other end of the spanner to give leverage.

Or if you have long nuts would a (short or long) socket get on them combined with a socket UJ and/or wobble bar for access(?).

Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel, thought that may be the only way, was just hoping that someone had found a tool that would do the job.
Tim Lynam

Tim, I've no personal experience of 1500s so others might know better than I found on a quick search of the Archives.

If using the two spanners method be careful of the spanners slipping, that I do have experience of.

Nigel Atkins

Have you tried ARP s/s nuts which like for like thread size have smaller (12 point) wrenching heads.
Daniel

Daniel, I’m willing to try anything if it makes life a bit easier.
Tim Lynam

If you tell me the thread size (5/16" or 3/8") I might have a spare nut I can post you.
Daniel

ISTR that the purpose of the long tube nuts in this position is that a small shallow 1/4" socket can be used without the stud pushing the socket off as it is tightened. A 1/4" socket with a knuckle joint extension, second straight extension and small ratchet will do it.

The old way was with a cut down open ended spanner, and flip it over between each pull, 1/12th of a turn a time! Before you start make sure the threads are very clean and lightly oiled so you can spin the nut right up the thread just with your finger tips. You then only need to nip it up with the spanner.
GuyW

Tim

Why's not take the carbs off first? Sounds hassle, but you may be able to have them part off/loosen while remaining on their studs, to one side as well as completely off, plus you will be able to torque all the manifold nuts properly and ensue an even seal. Sometimes taking a bit more off can be easier as well as more effective and less hassle., rather than trying to work around, I've had my carbs on and off a number of times recently rebuilding them and fixing problems - now very quick!

What spanner size? Have you got an assortment of ring and open spanners of different makes, lengths and thicknesses - it is funny what can fit sometimes. Also got wobble link for your socket plus different length socket extensions plus universal joints (3/8 drive?) Plus soak with Plus Gas and do the tighten up trick first to loosen corrosion.

Have you just put on a new exhaust manifold gasket?

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Mike, Unfortunately after experiencing a shattered exhaust manifold, plus broken rear spring I had to replace both in 24 hours before Silverstone Classic. A spare exhaust manifold was fitted but unfortunately no spare gaskets were available, I know I will have to get the carbs off and fit new gaskets but just trying to avoid it for a few weeks if possible, so just trying to nip the bottom two nuts up a bit.

I’ve cut down a ring spanner and thinned the outer edge of spanner which has tightened the left hand one ok, but the right hand ones still a pain, so carbs will no doubt have to be removed and new gasket fitted.
Tim Lynam

Is that wise Mr Mainwaring?

Apart from the noise if you don't get a seal on the manifold gasket it could cause the car problems and more importantly be harmful to, particularly the passenger on a 1500, and driver.


Nigel Atkins

New gaskets now fitted and all back together and no blowing manifold.

As Mike mentioned with more practice those carbs go back on easier each time, but first couple of times were a nightmare.

Thanks to all for the guidance.

Tim
Tim Lynam

Well done Tim.

Now you've totally proved yourself when you're ready I have loads of work for ya. :)

Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 02/08/2018 and 07/08/2018

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