-
How to tighten tricky exhaust nut on 1.6td?
by
rumbling_caddy
on 02 Nov, 2013 18:41
-
I'm in the process of reassembling a 1.6td for my caddy. IP pump and timing went on last weekend.
This weekend, putting back the intake and turbo.
There is one exhaust nut that's about impossible to get to. It's on the topside, second one in from
the passenger side. With the intake manifold and turbo on there's almost no room to get a tool in
there to tighten the nut. I used a magnetic pickup and small screwdriver to get the nut on a few threads.
Any tips anyone? I think I got to that nut during disassembly by removing the turbo from the turbo manifold first.
Now the whole turbo assembly is there already and I don't want to take it apart just for that one nut.
Helpful advice appreciated before I try something to tomorrow.
Thanks,
Michael
-
#1
by
CRSMP5
on 02 Nov, 2013 18:44
-
turbo goes on after manifold torqued in x pattern at 18ft-lbs/nut..
-
#2
by
rumbling_caddy
on 02 Nov, 2013 18:51
-
I'm afraid on that. Sucks to have to remove the turbo just for that nut. Can I just take off the cold side on the turbo?
-
#3
by
theman53
on 02 Nov, 2013 19:47
-
I made a tool out of a 1/4" drive socket that I drilled out the drive so the studs can pass through and welded to a piece of 18" long x 1" wide x 1/8 thick flat stock. I can access it from the top. I also have gear wrench flex heads which can do the job pretty well except for the final tighten.
There is no good way to take and put on the intake housing while on the car.
-
#4
by
rumbling_caddy
on 02 Nov, 2013 19:55
-
Thanks for the modified socket idea. I was thinking a specialty wrench accessed from the top side might work. Good to know you were able to get to it from to the top with the custom home made tool. Any other ideas anyone?
-
#5
by
CRSMP5
on 02 Nov, 2013 20:05
-
so you do not wanna torque them properly to prevent broken studs and blown gaskets?? have fun with that in a few thousand miles...
-
#6
by
bbob203
on 02 Nov, 2013 20:32
-
I had no problem taking my turbo off my b3 turbo still on manifold when I put it back on I even was able to torque it down with a torque wrench.
-
#7
by
745 turbogreasel
on 02 Nov, 2013 20:36
-
so you do not wanna torque them properly to prevent broken studs and blown gaskets?? have fun with that in a few thousand miles...
M1 = M2 x L1 / L2
Where:
M1 is the torque setting of the wrench.
M2 is the actual torque applied to the nut
L1 is the normal length of the wrench
L2 is the extended length of the wrench
Or pull your wrench with a fish scale 12" out.
-
#8
by
rumbling_caddy
on 02 Nov, 2013 21:16
-
Perhaps a 12mm offset wrench might work from the top. If I really have to separate the turbo from the turbo manifold for one exhaust nut then I'll do that. Just trying find an easier way so I don't have to lay on my back under the little truck.
The exhaust nut I'm trying to get to is the one in this area

Seems like an offset wrench similar to the one in this pic might work. Just have to figure out where to get a wrench like that locally
-
#9
by
audilvr
on 03 Nov, 2013 04:17
-
I removed the bolt from the oil feed without disturbing the oil line and was able to reach the nut with a regular socket, a swivel, and an extension. that was 15k ago on my build and all is still well.
-
#10
by
smutts
on 03 Nov, 2013 10:26
-
Done this a few times, impossible with a 1/2" socket set, but using a 3/8" socket set and swivel I don't remember too much swearing, but you might need a few assorted spanners to help. Nothing too exotic though, not like that miserable cow of a bolt that hides under the injector pump when you do a water pump.
-
#11
by
bajacalal
on 03 Nov, 2013 10:29
-
Pulling the turbo is not all that difficult, just kind of dirty.
Bentley procedure is turbo comes off first and goes on last and after trying it other ways it makes sense.
-
#12
by
rumbling_caddy
on 03 Nov, 2013 11:57
-
Pulling the turbo is not all that difficult, just kind of dirty.
Bentley procedure is turbo comes off first and goes on last and after trying it other ways it makes sense.
Yep, I'll have remember or look up the correct assembly order next time. I did managed to tighten that exhaust nut btw, thank you everyone!
I tried a variety of tools to get to that nut. The original offset box wrench was the idea that worked the best. I was able to tightened it using that wrench.
Got the whole metric offset box wrench set at Habor Freight on sale for $15.
-
#13
by
R.O.R-2.0
on 08 Nov, 2013 00:17
-
Perhaps a 12mm offset wrench might work from the top. If I really have to separate the turbo from the turbo manifold for one exhaust nut then I'll do that. Just trying find an easier way so I don't have to lay on my back under the little truck.
The exhaust nut I'm trying to get to is the one in this area

Seems like an offset wrench similar to the one in this pic might work. Just have to figure out where to get a wrench like that locally

if you dont feel like doing it, then bring it on over to SE portland, and ill work on it for you too.. very cheaply too, being that you are a forum member!
might even trade work for parts if you have anything cool!!