993 Heat Exchanger on 3.2 nut problem

[Rob Channell]

OK. So of all the people that have installed a set of 993 heat exchangers onto a Carrera 3.2 motor:

How in the world did you get the nut on? You know the one I'm talking about.

For those that don't, when you rotate the flanges on the 993 exchanger for the passenger side, you lose the use of the through holes to reach the nuts for installation. The front and rear exhaust ports are reachable and the inside nut on the center port is doable, but the outside nut on the center exhaust port is impossible to get. I was hoping the exhaust was stiff enough that it would seal OK, but I have an exhaust leak that I need to get fixed. Did anyone install much longer exhaust studs and then use a really thick spacer between the head and heat exchanger? Or is there a special tool that some of you have designed to get this nut? I don't know any people locally with pencil lead thin fingers with 7 joints.

It's kinda like trying to crucify yourself. It won't work. There's no way to get the last nail in.

Help.

[Rob Channell]

Bueller..........anyone.................anyone?

[Tyson Schmidt]

You'll need to buy that special wrench that has an open end wrench on one end, and a socket that flexes on the other end. That's about the only tool that works.

I have the full set from Snap-On, but Craftsman makes a knock-off now, and are way less expensive.

I used the copper coated exhaust lock nuts in 12mm hex head for extra clearance. The 13mm are just a little too big for working around in the tight quarters.

[CBRacerX]

It is just a plan old PITA. First time I did it under the car. The next time will be with the engine upside down on the stand (whew!).

For sure use the 12mm nuts.

[bigrubberjeep]

Good info!

[Rob Channell]

Thanks, guys.

Do you mean this type tool (in the right size)?

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=72023&group_ID=18138&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[s5uewf]

I just did this yesterday and it ended up being pretty easy - or easier than I thought it would be after reading the threads.

I used the Sears 1/4 inch drive universal joint with built in 12mm socket, and a new Sears tool called a Vortex socket. It allowed me to slide the 12mm Vortex socket over the stud and nut on the passenger side middle stud and then use the ratchet that came with it to tighten it. I had to reach around the outside and back in from the top with my right hand to hold the ratchet up while I tightened with my left hand, but it worked well.

I used the universal and socket to get it all started before moving to the Vortex.

Hope this helps.

I used the copper 12mm nuts all the way around.

Now I need to figure out what muffler to use. Any suggestions?
I'd prefer a high flow but quieter dual in, single out or dual in dual out.

[JP911]

The tool will help, but patience and persistence are the other two essential tools for dealing with that %$@#*%! nut. My engine was upside down on an engine stand and I still had a bear of a time with it.