66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

[Stephen L.]

starting on drivers side
followed Chassis Service Manual pp 6-28 and 6-29

1. removed alternator and brackets
2. plugs, shields, all bolts

I seem to be hung up when trying to pull up and out on the steering box - i can't imagine that has to come out

the other thought is removing the clutch fork push rod assembly (p 7-3 in the CSM) - is that really necessary?

or is there just a tip or trick on angling that i am missing

thanks!

PS - looking ahead to the other side, have removed the battery and supports - does the dipstick tube need to be removed?

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

starting on drivers side
followed Chassis Service Manual pp 6-28 and 6-29

1. removed alternator and brackets
2. plugs, shields, all bolts

I seem to be hung up when trying to pull up and out on the steering box - i can't imagine that has to come out

the other thought is removing the clutch fork push rod assembly (p 7-3 in the CSM) - is that really necessary?

or is there just a tip or trick on angling that i am missing

thanks!

PS - looking ahead to the other side, have removed the battery and supports - does the dipstick tube need to be removed?

Stephen------


By chance, is this car equipped with K-19 (AIR) or was it ever so-equipped (i.e. plugged AIR fittings in the manifolds)?

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

forgive my ignorance Joe, but i assume this would be/would have been fittings in the exhaust manifold

not that i am aware of

if someone happens to have a photo i can confirm

i don't see any fittings, bolt heads or the like that are hanging it up

it just doesn't seem to clear the steering box

down low it looks like it might hang up with the clutch parts...but if i had clearance up high i could slide it a bit and avoid that (i think)

[Edward J.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

Steve, Are you dealing with a big block or small block?

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

Big Block Edward

and on the other side am i correct that the oil dipstick tube has to come out? - there is a manifold bolt right behind it

if so, the oil pan has to come off and then the tube tapped out from there? (seems like a lot to do to get 2 manifolds off!)

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

on the clutch linkages, i don't think that is is...i had someone depress the clutch pedal and that pushed the push rod assembly out of the way -- sticking point seems to be the steering box - anyone have any thoughts?

thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

Big Block Edward

and on the other side am i correct that the oil dipstick tube has to come out? - there is a manifold bolt right behind it

if so, the oil pan has to come off and then the tube tapped out from there? (seems like a lot to do to get 2 manifolds off!)

Stephen-----

It should not be necessary to remove or unbolt the steering box to remove the left side BB exhaust manifold.

It should not be necessary to remove the dipstick tube to remove the right side manifold although it might be convenient to do so. In any event, it is not necessary to remove the oil pan to remove the dipstick tube.

Now, one more time: do your manifolds have AIR fittings, plugged or in-use? The AIR fittings can be seen in the photos below. They are located at the top of each exhaust runner.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

No Joe - i do not have AIR fittings

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

No Joe - i do not have AIR fittings

Stephen------


Then, without the tubes internal to the fittings, I do not understand why you cannot remove the manifolds. You should be able to remove them from either above or below.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

Thanks Joe

i'll keep playing around with it and see if i can get it out

thanks, sl

[Patrick B.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

The dip stick tube on a big block just pulls out without difficulty once the bracket is unbolted. I have taken off exhaust manifolds and tube headers from C2 and C3 Corvettes many times without ever touching the steering box, so don't worry about that. The clutch cross shaft is easy to remove and that was certainly necessary for the headers. I can't remember if that was necessary for the stock manifolds, but if you need to remove the manifold from the bottom, remove the clutch cross shaft and it will be easy.

[Joe R.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

on the clutch linkages, i don't think that is is...i had someone depress the clutch pedal and that pushed the push rod assembly out of the way -- sticking point seems to be the steering box - anyone have any thoughts?

thanks

Hi Stephen,

I also have a 66 big block. It's been a while (2008), but I seem to remember pulling them out from the top. I don't recall any major struggle with it. I don't have power steering, air conditioning or power brakes or anything else that might rob power from the ole' L72.

Joe

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

Thanks Patrick and Joe R

I should have mentioned the steering is power steering...maybe that box is a touch bigger?

either way Patrick's route is clear to me - if the clutch cross shaft is not there, it will drop out with ease - i'll work it that way

on the dip stick tube i was reading posts about it being a press fit...but i am thinking now that may have been a small block - i'll give it a try

thanks to all

on refinishing, the route i am going is to use evaporust to not alter the finish and then leave it bear metal and occasionally spray w wd 40 to keep rust to a minimum - i understand a little rust needs to be there or there will be a point deduct - (oh, and little overspray as the current finish has) - any other thoughts are welcome - i have never had a car judged and so am working through issues very slowly and feeling my way along.....

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

Thanks Patrick and Joe R

I should have mentioned the steering is power steering...maybe that box is a touch bigger?

either way Patrick's route is clear to me - if the clutch cross shaft is not there, it will drop out with ease - i'll work it that way

on the dip stick tube i was reading posts about it being a press fit...but i am thinking now that may have been a small block - i'll give it a try

thanks to all

on refinishing, the route i am going is to use evaporust to not alter the finish and then leave it bear metal and occasionally spray w wd 40 to keep rust to a minimum - i understand a little rust needs to be there or there will be a point deduct - (oh, and little overspray as the current finish has) - any other thoughts are welcome - i have never had a car judged and so am working through issues very slowly and feeling my way along.....

Stephen-----

The steering gear box for power steering is exactly the same unit used for cars with manual steering.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 - Remove Exhaust Manifolds

then like you i am stumped why it won't come out the top - but it seems like there is a bottom-out solution that should work...so we'll see where that goes

thanks to all