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Safest/easiest way to remove manifold

pearljam724

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I have an aftermarket Edelbrock manifold I’m in process of removing to address an oil leak back by the firewall. I have everything removed including manifold bolts. I’m good with mechanical stuff as a do it yourself at home type of guy. But, this is my first time removing a manifold.
I know there’s a ton of silicone under it from someone previously. Therefore I feel it’s not going to come easy tapping around it with a rubber mallet. What’s the safest and easiest approach without risking the manifold ? Appreciate any tips
 
Hi,
I find working a large flat screwdriver under one of the corners will break it loose, or a pry bar under the flange for the exhaust crossover. The modern sealants like Permatex Ultra tend to stretch so a hammer blow might not pop it loose.
 
Try to cut as much of the silicone as possible with a razor blade, then pry gently with a non-marring device. I have plastic prying tools but a plastic putty knife will work. Whatever you do, DON'T pry against the head with a metal prybar/screwdriver.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3SP84...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

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As in the above answer, cut away as much of the silicone as possible. Tap a plastic wedge under the front edge to pop up the manifold a bit, then tap another in at the back edge. The first one will compound the leverage of the second one and it should pop up.
 
Thanks, I appreciate all tips. It’s ready for a try in morning. I wanted some advice before so. I have a 360 with RPM Performer. There’s really no good place to pry up without using the heads or timing chain cover or cut but the front 2 corners. I will cut across the front. I’ll stay off the heads. I don’t have plastic tools. I suppose a thin paint scraper would be ok to push in through the front, maybe some very thin wooden wedges would be nice ?
 
Thanks, I appreciate all tips. It’s ready for a try in morning. I wanted some advice before so. I have a 360 with RPM Performer. There’s really no good place to pry up without using the heads or timing chain cover or cut but the front 2 corners. I will cut across the front. I’ll stay off the heads. I don’t have plastic tools. I suppose a thin paint scraper would be ok to push in through the front, maybe some very thin wooden wedges would be nice ?
wood is ok if they are hard wood, soft wood will just collapse..
 
You can always purchase plastic putty scrapers from Lowes/Home Depot for just a few dollars. Hammer them in between the head and the manifold.
 
Been wrenching for 40+ years, never used a plastic prybar to remove a manifold in my life & I've worked on lots of high $$ pretty stuff... You can't get stupid but a steel prybar or large screwdriver is fine... Actually the last manifold I popped lose a few weeks ago I used a carpenters super bar...
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The coolant has been drained?
Yeah buddy, everything out of way. Including bolts and coolant. I left carb on until later, gonna freshen up manifold once it’s removed.
 
I ll start by cutting as much as possible. Try a plastic puffy knife irst. Then resort to the little carpenter pry bar if it’s too stubborn. Lord, I hope this stops my massive oil leak, lol ! I know the intake leaks at high rpms. But, I’m fearing the main seal is leaking too. I’ve observed it a hundred times. It’s very difficult to decipher exactly where it’s coming from.
 
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Been wrenching for 40+ years, never used a plastic prybar to remove a manifold in my life & I've worked on lots of high $$ pretty stuff... You can't get stupid but a steel prybar or large screwdriver is fine... Actually the last manifold I popped lose a few weeks ago I used a carpenters super bar...View attachment 827781
Remind me not to let you work on my big block. :lol:
 
The Commies are by the coast... Here in the valley is where we keep the folks who work for a living... Or apparently steal... But thats another post...
 
Hurry up and update your build thread...I'm bored!!!

My build thread currently is on hold, my finish body guy has put in 18 hours so far & has semi final blocked the fenders, doors, hood, deck lid & one quarter... Once he's done with the last quarter he'll dump on one last coat of high build primer & then go around it with 400... And finally with 500...

After that I need to respray the bottom of the car.. Currently it's shiny red & I've decided to replicate dip primer...

Then the booth.... Once all that happens I'll have something to talk about... Currently I'm just watching the wind blow...
 
My build thread currently is on hold, my finish body guy has put in 18 hours so far & has semi final blocked the fenders, doors, hood, deck lid & one quarter... Once he's done with the last quarter he'll dump on one last coat of high build primer & then go around it with 400... And finally with 500...

After that I need to respray the bottom of the car.. Currently it's shiny red & I've decided to replicate dip primer...

Then the booth.... Once all that happens I'll have something to talk about... Currently I'm just watching the wind blow...

How many cars have you seen that really should have been blocked one more time? That won't be this one....
 
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