Removing Inlet Manifold on mk2 gti

[Matt106]

Hi, first post on here so here goes......Im currently working on a Mk2 GTI and the head gasket has gone. Ive been using the haynes to help take it apart and fix it myself but i dont know how to get to the inlet manifold bolts as ther really awkward. Do i have to take the exhaust manifold off first?

[phil88]

have you got that the wrong way round? usually you take the inlet manifold off to get to the exhaust manifold?

and yes the exhaust manifold is a real b*stard to get off.

[Matt106]

well i cant see anyway of getting the inlet manifold off as the bolts are tucked away? so i thought the exhaust manifold would have to come off first?

[JimR]

It is a bit awkward to do, if you can, you're best off undoing the exhaust manifold to downpipe bolts (6 off, 17mm) and removing the head with the manifolds still on, then taking them off.

[Conker]

Hi, first post on here so here goes......Im currently working on a Mk2 GTI and the head gasket has gone. Ive been using the haynes to help take it apart and fix it myself but i dont know how to get to the inlet manifold bolts as ther really awkward. Do i have to take the exhaust manifold off first?

The usual question....  16v or 8v

[Matt106]

sorry its an 8v, ive started to take off the exhaust manifold bolts where its meets the downpipe but struggling with 2 off them which are closest to the bulkhead (middle one and drivers side) also they dont seem to be 17mm ive found that an 11/16 works better?

[ben44]

sorry its an 8v, ive started to take off the exhaust manifold bolts where its meets the downpipe but struggling with 2 off them which are closest to the bulkhead (middle one and drivers side) also they dont seem to be 17mm ive found that an 11/16 works better?

sounds about right lol. i find leaving both manifolds on is the best way as said above.

[Matt106]

Managed to get the 6 dreaded bolts undone wher the mani meets the downpipe! Before i take the head off do i need to setup the timing? it all looks in gd condition but is it advised to send it off to be looked over?

[oakgreengolf]

Yes definatly get the head skimmed and pressure tested.

Ive just done my 16v which is a bit more awkward as I had to have the valves removed so they could skim it but on the 8v you will be ok. However if I was you I would renew the oil seals. Where I took my head they actually removed the valves for me, which saves alot of time. I then ground the valves in myself, renewed the oil seals then took it back and they put the valves back in. All this for £50 which I didnt think was too bad