Removing tinware (early dg)

[Nicola&Tony]

I'm trying to remove the silencer box from our exhaust without damaging the other pipes, but all the nuts are heavily corroded. I've chopped off the bottom ones with the angle grinder but can't get anything near to the two upper nuts (in an attempt to demolish them).

If I could remove the piece of tinware that runs across the full width of the engine bay (i.e. just behind the reg plate / under the header tank and top-up tank) I might stand a chance. Does anyone know if this is possible? It looks like two of the bolts that hold it in place go through engine mounts? If I remove these bolts does that mean that the engine could drop out of position?

Grateful for any info or suggestions etc.

Cheers

Tony

[dj biz r]

mines been off a few times now if i remember 10mm self tappers or bolts i used socket wedge d on a screwdriver ,,and nut /bolt engine mount frame oh yeah water tank off then wiggle pull push twist swear bend it,, squirt penertrating spray well in advance good luck

[Ian Hulley]

IIRC there are 2 m8 (13mm spanner) nuts that hold the front of the tinware to the engine mounting bar, I think the studs are welded to the bar.

Ian

[Nicola&Tony]

Thanks for the replies, I'll have a go at the weekend.

Tony

[kevtherev]

Tony
You might have to drop the engine .. bear it in mind

[Nicola&Tony]

Tony
You might have to drop the engine .. bear it in mind

Kev, I wouldn't know where to start with that (and we have the mot booked for 28th April)!

Tony

[dugwiththevwbug]

you need a recipricating saw with a metal blade and cut between the flanges which will cut the old top bolts on the exhaust saves having to remove the tinware.
regards doug

[Nicola&Tony]

Thanks Doug, you reminded me that I have a hacksaw blade holder so I found that and set about one of the nuts last night. Took a while to chop three sides off the nut before I could finally remove it with a punch, but saved me removing the tinware. Only one more nut to do now.

A reciprocating saw looks like a handy toy to have.

Tony

[Nicola&Tony]

Another 2 hours with the hacksaw blade this morning and the last nut came away.

Job is finished now with a new (to us) silencer fitted. Thanks very much to Onion for the silencer and to Big Tam for providing the hefty blows that separated the old silencer from the other pipes. I'm over the moon, really didn't expect to get this job finished this wknd, never mind today!!

Many thanks to all who have helped, it's much appreciated!

Tony

[BigTam]

Nee bother mate