Rear Heater Manifold Pipe Replacement Without removing Supercharger - The Beginning

[superty]

Just changed the rear crossover pipe today without removing the supercharger. This is because I didn’t change it 3 years ago when I did the front ones with the supercharger off!!!

4 hours total with not being sure what to take off as a starting point. In the end I took off about as much as needed:

-window cowl
-bonnet in workshop mode
- plastic junction box above crossover pipe free to wriggle

During the process I found myself half submerged in the engine bay with both arms wrapped around the engine to either insert bolts or find bolt heads and control the ratchet.

I must say these tools proved invaluable (see photo). Mainly for the dreaded Christmas tree clips and the ease of one handed rotation of the torx bit.

The hose clamp pliers also proved handy to get the host clip back in place.

My biggest takeaway was to not be shy and really get your arms wrapped around the back of the supercharger. All of the bolts can be accessed with extenders on the ratchet to come in straight and go behind the pipes and cables.

Good luck all.

Notes:

1. The larger of the cool and pipes with the blue push buttons is a pain, but if you push it on a few mm before depressing the blue buttons it helps
2. I didn’t do a partial drain, just removed the pipe and it leaked enough coolant to do the job
3. Car on the bump stops is very helpful to on and off access
4. Putting a large blanket over the supercharger and stuff was very helpful for comfort and also for catching bolts and tools
5. No real bleeding of the coolant system was necessary, just top-up
6. I connected the thermostat and smaller pipe with hose clamp before seating rear crossover bolts

 

[richord]

Wow, having experienced this first "hands" (including knuckle scrapes) Kudos to you. I think the other "talent" necessary is the ability to visualize in your mind what your hands and tools are doing.

Twelve years ago, at the age or 2 my grandson had to undergo open heart surgery. The only surgeon who could do this surgery was at Standford University Hospital. We had lunch the surgeon and he explained how he could visualize a child's heart and lungs as he was doing the surgery and none of the cameras, x-ray's or other technology helped when he was in doing the surgery. It amazed me that he could perform such delicate surgery "blind". My grandson today is a healthy 13-year-old because of his unique talent.

As I was doing my Land Rover work, I thought about him and how important visualization was even in a mechanical repair.

Congratulations!!!!

 

[txfromwi]

Wow! Hard to understand how you actually were able to get in there!!
Kudo's to you!

I currently need to do my 2015 as the front crossover is currently leaking and it is parked up in the garage.

 

[CONCH]

I completed the replacement of the rear heater manifold pipe (rear cross over) with an aluminum aftermarket pipe.

Is it easy? No but with patience and the right tools and being able to lie on top of the engine, working blind, it's possible.

Excellent write-up and helpful information for those with willing conviction. Unfortunately I would not be able to keep my old old 170lb body laying atop the engine long enough to match the requisite patience to fumble around blind!

Congratulations on your successful job and a KUDOS for passing along your OJT pics.