Can't remove my inlet manifold/gasket - sealant too strong

[eekfeatures]

My engine running perfectly - except I have steam coming out of the right exhaust.

Diagnosis: I guess either a mis-seated inlet manifold gasket or blown head gasket.

Current problem: I am really struggling to remove the inlet manaifold and gasket because the sealant I used is too strong. I used it both sides of the gasket and nothing will budge.

Does anyone have any idea how I can remove the sealant?

Also, am I on the right track with my diagnosis or could it be something else - the engine sounds excellent!

Thanks Eddie

[alfiebeard]

Hi I had the same problem I bet you used blue hylomar?,my manifold would,nt budge so I bought a tin of Loctite gasket remover (its in a spray can),

I just feed a rope through under the manifold so you have something to pull on and scratch around the edges of the manifold, then spray the gasket remover right round the flange edges and wait about 10 mins, then give it a tug if it does,nt move repeat the process, i will guarantee it will suddenly lift of and the gasket cement will have desolved its brilliant stuff.

With the steam problem are you losing water? .
hope this helps.

Alfie B

[dingocooke]

Are you absolutely sure your not just seeing condensation? I dont know if its your first run up, but if so, run it until its fully warmed the whole block (not just the water) ie for 20 minutes minimum. dont rip it apart until youve done that!!

[Marc]

Hello

I used HYLOMAR. Great Stuff!!

The only problem is, that the to much applied sealant will end up in your oil pan looking like litle wurms. The problem is that i wont dissolve in the oil. Eventualy it blockes the suction filter on your oil pump.

Happend to me.
Symtoms:
-low oil-pressure
-hot oil
-decrease in HP
-nocking noise

Unfortunately for my engine it was to late. The crank needs a regrind.

Regards

Marc

[eekfeatures]

Thanks Alfie.

I which I had used hylomar! Instead I used an automotive polyurethane sealant that 'cures'. It has cured alright - rock hard.

I will try the loctite remover if I can hold of some. I have taken the day off work tomorrow to 'attack' the problem.

Thanks dingocooke.

Some loss of water. Had considered the condensation possibility but methinks it would have affected both sides equally and also I have had it running more than once for long periods and still steaming.

Eddie

[alfiebeard]

No probs Eddie,

hope it goes ok for you. apparently cured polyurethane can be softened by using any of the following:- XYLOL TOLUENE OR METHYL ETHYL OR TRICHTOROETHENE. and believe it or not plain old petrol can soften it,

so unless you are a chemist I would try the Loctite Gasket remover but if you cant get any try petrol its worth a shot

Alfie B

[craggle]

Did you use sealant on all the ports or only the water jacket ones.

I have always used the black type inlet manifold gasket and only ever applied a small amount of silicone around the water ways.

Never had one leak,

Craig.

[eekfeatures]

Finally met with success and removed my manifold having hooked it up to a fencing winch!

Now struggling eith the cylinder head bolts that are very tight.

[Purple AK]

Originally Posted by alfiebeard

No probs Eddie,

hope it goes ok for you. apparently cured polyurethane can be softened by using the following:- XYLOL TOLUENE


Alfie B

Is that not Brake Cleaner??

[TonyD]

Originally Posted by Purple AK

Is that not Brake Cleaner??

Try carb cleaner, that stuff dissolves most anything. I've actually never used it on carbs to be honest but it cleans injection systems like a good'un.

Cheers,

Tony