What manifold tool???

[gti fly bye]

I'm in the middle of doin my head gasket on my mk2 Hreg 8v and I'm all done except for mr haynes tells me i need a special tool to remove/replace the down pipe to manifold  clips? This is all thats needed now.

Is ther any other way than this tool because i'd really like to finsh the weekend so i can get the head tested and skimed monday?

[dubslug]

can u tell me wot size spilined tool i need to take the head off??
if u got c clamps u can just push em apart, or i once heard some one heated em up and stucj a bolt between em to keep em open??

[gti fly bye]

Not 100% because i used one which i used a couple of years back on my 16v calibra!
I think it a 20mm
look here->
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=5333

[mk1]

I remove the spring clips on the exhaust downpipe with a socket and a bolt.
Bit hard to explain, M10 bolt and nut with a washer, a socket that fits inside the clip with the nut run up to the top of the bolt, place inside the clip and "jack" the clip open by winding the nut off the bolt, forcing the clip open. Hope you understand what I am saying  .
Steve.

[gti fly bye]

Nice one steve, so basicly the clip needs forcin apart, with you!

How will i get it back togethere thou, or will this become obvious when removed?

I'll try that first thing tomorrow!

[mk1]

When re-building, you can sometimes "ping" one clip on by forcing the down pipe over to one side. Push the pipe to the other side and refit the last "open" clip with the tool still in, on the other side. The down pipe in my opinion is the worst part of doing a head gasket on a golf  .
Steve.