Manifold reinstallation tips needed

[themons]

I am reinstalling my manifold/riser/exhaust hose assembly on my port side 454 crusader. It is wedged between the outboard side fuel tank and the engine block on the sides and the flooring on the top. I am having problems reinstalling it due to the weight and configuration of the assembly. Two studs are already installed. Any tips? Also, the return key does not seem to work, anyone else have this problem.

 

[erich]

Are you saying that all 3 pieces are already bolted together (assembly)? If so, why do it that way instead of installing the manifold, then the riser, and finally the elbow?

Erich

 

[themons]

Yes. All three parts are together. No clearance to bolt anything together after the manifold is on.

 

[missnancy]

take a couple pieces of threaded rod and put them in the center bolt holes and use them to hold things in place. Once you have two of the studs in then remove the rods and put the right studs in. Make sure you use new bolts when reinstalling as the old ones may be fatigued and might break. Been there and done that.

 

[themons]

Thanks for the help guys. In addition to using the longer bolts to temporarily hold things, I also used a system of blocks and a chain hoist. Worked great. Being able to adjust the chain hoist minutely helped get everything aligned.