Cart Before the Horse (again)?

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dibbons

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Where is the thread explaining the best procedure to install/remove the driver's side exhaust manifold on an early A (64-66) V-8 with power brakes and power steering? I thought that big curve in the end would allow me to snake the manifold in from the top with the motor/transmission installed but my first attempt at wiggling it around was a failure. All kinds of stuff in the way. Thank you.

ex manifold prob 1.JPG
 
Step one seems easy enough if we quote the the 1965 factory service technical manual (pages 11-6 and 11-7):

Exhaust Manifold (273 Cubic Inch Engine)

Installation (1) Position the two outboard arms of the manifolds on the two studs on cylinder heads, using new gaskets. Install the conical washers and nuts on the studs (Fig.10).
 
I would pull the studs, install the manifold, and reinstall the studs.
 
Step one seems easy enough if we quote the the 1965 factory service technical manual (pages 11-6 and 11-7):

Exhaust Manifold (273 Cubic Inch Engine)

Installation (1) Position the two outboard arms of the manifolds on the two studs on cylinder heads, using new gaskets. Install the conical washers and nuts on the studs (Fig.10).
Your installation from the manual is probably with engine mounted to a rebuild stand.
 
I seem to recall that my buddy had to loosen the motor mounts from the k-member and jack up the engine a bit to slide the manifold out/in from the top. I think he had to remove the distributor to prevent it from hitting the firewall.
 
That might be a solution. I have not removed the column before; what's (specifically) involved in removing the steering column?
 
All my "before" photos have the manifolds installed. I sure don't remember having any issues. If those are the manifolds and engine that came out it has to go back in.
 
roll pin removal and I used a pickle fork to separate the connector from the box...and the pieces under the dash and on the firewall.
 
remove steering column?

YES!!! very easy to do and will give way more room.

removing the studs is like bearing your head against the wall. If those tiny 5/16” Studs have been on there very long then they may just break then you’ve got more problems to deal with.
 
First I will attempt a slight motor lift. I am starting another thread regarding exhaust manifold gaskets for 318/340 that don't match the 273 ports.
 
I tried engine lifting from the center carb plate at two different positions (has a total of four holes, fore and aft) and it did not quite fit.

I still need to find another way to lift, next time using more of an angle starting the lift from the drivers side.
 
if it's just the flat biscuit isolator mounts, just remove the nut and lockwasher on left mount, and stand a vertical chunk of a 2x4 under the left pan rail and use a floor jack to jack up left side of engine. You might want to remove dist cap or even the dist. but I don't know that it's necessary.
Pulling the column isn't that hard either.
 
one more thing before you start rolling the engine over, if you have a radiator shroud, you better pull the screws out of it so the fan doesn't break the plastic shroud.
 
I had to pull my exhaust manifold recently to replace the power steering box. Definitely a lot easier with the steering column removed. Probably wasn't necessary, but I wanted as much room as possible working on the steering box.
 
After treating myself to a bacon and eggs breakfast, out to give it one more "college try". I loosened the donut retaining nut on the passenger side but left it partially threaded on. I removed the donut retaining nut and washer on the driver's side. Then placed a 2 X 6 block standing up on the floor jack and hiked up the oil pan on that side. Went up to where we hit the firewall and the power train came to a dead stop. Almost there now, but nowhere else to go.

Push, push, push past the lower cylinder head bolt in the way and the steering column, scraping a little as we go, and Voilà, it finally drops into place (must have been the way I did it 10 years ago, as suggested here by a couple of forum members above). But I must say, it just BARELY made space enough. Thank you and good day!

ex manifold installed 1.JPG


ex manifold installed 2.JPG
 
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After treating myself to a bacon and eggs breakfast, out to give it one more "college try". I loosened the donut retaining nut on the passenger side but left it partially threaded on. I removed the donut retaining nut and washer on the driver's side. Then placed a 2 X 6 block standing up on the floor jack and hiked up the oil pan on that side. Went up to where we hit the firewall and the power train came to a dead stop. Almost there now, but nowhere else to go.

Push, push, push past the lower cylinder head bolt in the way and the steering column, scraping a little as we go, and Voilà, it finally drops into place (must have been the way I did it 10 years ago, as suggested here by a couple of forum members above). But I must say, it just BARELY made had space enough. Thank you and good day!

View attachment 1715698177

View attachment 1715698178
Nothin like a success story, lol. Great news.
 
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