Fumble fingers here needs a little advice. I took off the intake and exhaust manifolds to install a much needed new gasket. The problem is that all 6 cylinders have tubes in the center of the exhaust pipes that stick into the engine about 2". This prevents me from putting on a new gasket, because these tubes cleare the engine, but there is not enough room in the engine bay to also clear the mounting studs.

I should unbolt the down pipes from the header. But they are so rusty, I am afraid I will break them off and then I will have to go to a shop and pay big bucks to have them fix my mess. Also, is there a gasket between the header and down pipe?

If I unbolt the tailpipe at the down pipe connection, I "may" have enough wiggle room to lift out the exhaust header and clean up the block. I may need 3 or 4 arms to do it that way.

Any and all comments are appreciated,

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)