Removal of inlet manifold on a turbo.

Hi.

I've noticed a small pool of water collecting in the v of the engine, just behind the water pump.

I've twice managed to replace the small blanking hose on the back of the water pump, without having to remove anything, other than the short left hand side hose from the water pump to gain access (a very tricky job!).

However, as mentioned, I can still see some water collecting from somewhere.

Therefore, I think I might have to remove the inlet manifold to get a better view of what the problem may be.

My question is: How difficult is it to remove and what do I need to be aware of when removing the inlet manifold? Are there any gaskets which would be disturbed and need replacing?

Also, any tips on removing the water pump, if I have to.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

Just a quick comment.

I mentioned this in a previous thread to someone else concerning their clutch, but make sure that it is coolant collecting in the 'V' and not clutch fluid from the slave cylinder.

This is where it can collect if that is leaking. Be careful with your paintwork also as brake/clutch fluid will burn it.

I can't comment on the removal of pump or inlet manifold I'm afraid, though I'm sure someone can help!

Yes, it's definately coolant fluid, I can tell from the colour.

As for my paintwork, I'm not too worried as the laquer is peeling all over the place and a respray is another job on my 'to do' list!

But thanks for the advice. Would still like some advice on the manifold and/or waterpump if anyone has any. Cheers.

I had my car resprayed completely by John Hancock in Bodmin in April, who specialises in fibreglass cars.

He's done a fantastic job, totally stripping the car back before respraying in the proper 075 red with lacquer.

The cost was around £1200 including a re-gel of the rear wing to repair stress fractures caused years ago by a French lorry driver on the M25 (I was sitting still in a traffic jam at the time)

I think a standard strip and respray would be in the order of a grand. I couldn't find anyone else who could match that.

His number is 01208 831311. Say hi from me if you do contact him.

Thanks. I'll certainly consider that. £1200 sounds like quite a good price. I was expecting to pay upwards of £1500 at a local paint specialist. He is just round the corner from me though, which might be a bit more convenient.

My car is the 076 metallic red colour. I wonder if it will cost more being metallic?

[stephendell]

Lots of potential areas for leaks!!

Pretty straightforward job. Just goes back together the same way it comes apart!

Make sure you have all the new gaskets and pipes ready before you start.

6 'o' rings between inlet manifold & head + 2 plastic spacers which often break.

2 'o' rings underneath the alloy Y piece behind the water pump.

The two small silcone hoses at the rear of the cylinder head are fragile and may break. The short inserts here are also prone to corrosion.

Worth changing the two short hoses at the front (cylinder head to water-pump) & large waterpump hose if any are at all swollen or worn.

New clips all round is also a good idea while it's all apart.

All the hoses are available in Silicone and it's a worthwhile upgrade.

Cheers, that helps a lot.

I'm definately going to have to tackle this job.

Any chance you know the part No.'s and/or page number of the microfilm page the various 'o' rings and spacers are listed on, so I can order them before starting the job?

Thanks.

I had the same problem on my 90K miles GTA Turbo. Could`nt see where the water was coming from and assumed a hose or gasket. After much fiddling with a small mirror to see where the leak occured when running it transpired that the water was coming from the water pump casing.
After removing the water pump and stripping it down I found that the end casing was eroded so badly that in a small area that was not detectable by eye was so wafer thin it was letting water through with the pressure of the pump.It is something to bear in mind because I couldn`t see any hole and it would be easy to assume that it was a gasket etc.
It would be wise to remove the water pump end casing and check the condition. Good luck