Roxi lives! I'm a retard!!!

[87blackroxi]

Well I am officially retarded. after all the trying to figure out why Roxi wouldn't start, I failed to obey the basic rule. Start with the simplest things. THE BATTERY!
Y'all were right. It was the battery. Took it out and just got a new one. didn't even load test it. The car started right up. ran a bit rough and was a bit smokey for about a minute. Took her out and babied her for about 5 minutes and then let her rip.
Now the next obstacle, to fix the gasket in between the headers and the exhaust, it's cracked and it is not sealing the pipes together. There are 2 bolts that are easily accessible, but the third looks to be a pain in the rump. I'm not sure how to get to it yet. any ideas?

 

[Vettefan87]

What side is it on? I am assuming it is the passenger side since the drivers side is pretty simple to get to. I just used extensions, wrenches anything I could use to get in there on the drivers side.

 

[87blackroxi]

What side is it on? I am assuming it is the passenger side since the drivers side is pretty simple to get to. I just used extensions, wrenches anything I could use to get in there on the drivers side.

It's passenger's side. There is a tiny space but I can't get my hand through it. I am wondering if I have to remove parts to get to it. or would it be easier if I brought it to a shop and put it up on a lift. It's kind of up where the starter is. I can get a box end wrench in there but it only turns maybe a 1/4 in each time.

 

[Mad-Mic]

I can get a box end wrench in there but it only turns maybe a 1/4 in each time.

thats what you gotta do. it's a PITA but thats the only way. can't get to it from the bottom. gear wrenches work best.

good luck.

BTW new gaskets leave the first and last bolt in just loosen to fit the gasket in and the ears will hold on both the fronts and the backs. just go get a set of Mr. Gaskets

 

[87blackroxi]

thats what you gotta do. it's a PITA but thats the only way. can't get to it from the bottom. gear wrenches work best.

good luck.

BTW new gaskets leave the first and last bolt in just loosen to fit the gasket in and the ears will hold on both the fronts and the backs. just go get a set of Mr. Gaskets

Mic,
I was hoping for some better news, But I guess if that's all I can do, then that's all. Pita is right, but It's gotta be done.
Thanks,
Shane

 

[86PACER]

Your talking about the long tube collector gasket right?
That upper bolt is just simply a PITA. What I do is get a combination end wrench on the nut that is towards the rear of the car by feel, then use an extension and a flex joint to loosen the other end of it. The combo wrench automaticaly wedges itself against the side of the exhaust tunnel and stays stationary while you loosen. It's also a PITA to start the nut again when you put it back together. No easy way to do it really. I also allow the wrench to wedge it's self when I tighten it back up too.

I would use a set of aluminum gaskets like Percy's this time. They won't blow out and they seal better.

 

[Mad-Mic]

Your talking about the long tube collector gasket right?
That upper bolt is just simply a PITA. What I do is get a combination end wrench on the nut that is towards the rear of the car by feel, then use an extension and a flex joint to loosen the other end of it. The combo wrench automaticaly wedges itself against the side of the exhaust tunnel and stays stationary while you loosen. It's also a PITA to start the nut again when you put it back together. No easy way to do it really. I also allow the wrench to wedge it's self when I tighten it back up too.

I would use a set of aluminum gaskets like Percy's this time. They won't blow out and they seal better.

i thought he was talking about the #8 cylinder flange on the header the last bolt back. it's pretty tight. i put my finger on the end and wrench with the other hand. left hand holding the box end down on the bolt and right hand wrenching it.

 

[Mad-Mic]

Mic,
I was hoping for some better news, But I guess if that's all I can do, then that's all. Pita is right, but It's gotta be done.
Thanks,
Shane

it's not that bad i can change headers out on our cars in less than 4 hours :crazy

 

[aboatguy]

It's passenger's side. There is a tiny space but I can't get my hand through it. I am wondering if I have to remove parts to get to it. or would it be easier if I brought it to a shop and put it up on a lift. It's kind of up where the starter is. I can get a box end wrench in there but it only turns maybe a 1/4 in each time.

Glad you got you car running. Are you talking about the collector gaskets or the exhaust gasket ? ( between header and the head = exhaust gasket)

If its the collector gasket you may have a nut that you have to grab too!

Mike

 

[G Winter]

If its the collector gasket you may have a nut that you have to grab too!Mike

otflotflotflotfl is that a really bad problem? and does that help ?otfl

Glenn