salvage engine prep

MamaForestCritter · Post by **MamaForestCritter** » 16 Jul 2026, 16:09

Yeah I noticed theres no banjo bolt. Can't get to the last bolt on the manifold without removing the thermostat assembly and the torx heads on that are stripped . Got some screw extractors. Gonna try that tomorrow. Couldn't get them off the 02 that I'm removing piece by piece from the car either but I was able to get to that manifold bolt. Different style thermostat. Do they glue these suckers in or what? What about the VVT Camshaft Adjuster O-Ring Seal. should I mess with this or leave it be?

Post by **jonesg** » 17 Jul 2026, 05:03

I bought ext torx drivers for the thermostat housing.

https://www.amazon.com/RIZOM-15-Piece-D ... 72&sr=8-16

and a low profile universal 10mm 1/4" drive socket for the manifold bolt.
you need a 1/4" extension for it.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Uni ... r=8-5&th=1

Post by **BlackBart** » 17 Jul 2026, 20:23

That shallow 10 mm looks like the cat’s meow.
Funny I just bought something from Tekton. It was quality.

MamaForestCritter · Post by **MamaForestCritter** » 19 Jul 2026, 00:02

So I got the manifold off (drilled out the stripped torx heads) and below are some pictures. I'm very new to this so I don't really know if there are signs I should be looking for. I don't want to open the head if I can possibly avoid it but I also don't want to miss something important. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also any tips on cleaning the outside of the block?

Post by **BlackBart** » 19 Jul 2026, 08:43

A 50/50 mix of vinegar and Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle is good on aluminum. Use various stiff brushes and wire brushes, rinse it off.

Post by **vtl** » 20 Jul 2026, 07:00

MamaForestCritter wrote: 19 Jul 2026, 00:02 Also any tips on cleaning the outside of the block?

Pressure washer.

Post by **BlackBart** » 21 Jul 2026, 11:23

Just be careful that high pressure doesn't shove water into places it ought not to be.