I finally got down to getting some exhaust manifold gaskets, R30 each from Nissan, and replaced them...
not sure if this can go in the how to section, but I guess you guys can move it if its worthy
first, determine that the leak is coming from the manifold, did this by starting up the car from cold, then feeling around the manifold for air, a bit hard with the big fan spinning, but you'll feel the hot air coming out if it is leaking from there... do it quickly, cos that thing heats up very fast...
Remove the heat shield, 3-4 size 10 bolts on the top, then, there are 4 size 14 bolts on the top of the manifold. I was able to use the rachet on the 2 outer ones, but the 14 spanner is what I needed for the middle two... the bottom, the first two bolts, from the fan side, easy, socket gets in easily and you can remove them... the last 2, this is where it gets really interesting...
jacked up the car, from teh bottom, you can see those 2 bolts, the ring of teh spanner doesn't go over the last bolt, and the turning space is enough to move the nut, that flip the spanner over and turn a little more again... then flip the spanner again... i did the 3rd bolt the same way, although when I put the manifold back on, an extension with a 14 socket, gets between the turbo and that, and I managed to tighten up number 3 with a rachet
then I loosened the 4 size 12 bolts, that go between the manifold and the turbo... was actually glad that this worked, cos it seemed like a really big job to take the manifold with the turbo off.. The bolts are a bit awkward to get to, but its do-able... just push the turbo a bit down, and you'll be able to get the manifold off...
cleaned up the silicone and that on the head, wanted to replace that metal gasket between the turbo and the manifold, nissan wanted R200 for it, so I just put it back with some firegum...
The car feels alive, and she revs nicely all the way... probably was leaking always, considering 3 of the 8 bolts were loose...
thanks to Dr G for making a stop and helping
