Stuck Intake Manifold Bolt!
 

Hello everyone,

I'm installing a new PCV system in my 96 N/A 850. I've got everything apart and out of the way. Except there's one last bolt holding the Manifold. Of course it's the hardest one to reach. Right behind the bolt holding the dipstick. Its holding the bracket that fastens the bottom of the manifold. It can only be seen from under the car. I have to blindly loosen it from the top.

This thing is really stuck and won't break loose! Even worse, it's in a tight space and there's no way to really get any leverage on it.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a trick that I'm missing or something that can be moved out of the way, so I can reach it?


This is driving me crazy.. Thanks!:(

Luckily, mine was missing the bracket/bolt when I did the PCV lol. However, I did go at the dipstick tube bolt from under the car using a whole lot of extensions, a ratchet and a u-joint. If you can reach the dipstick bolt with that setup, you can also reach the bracket bolt. I later realized I didn't have to go from underneath and reassembled from the top, but you could try from underneath as it will give you more leverage to deal with your problem bolt. Might help to have someone who can reach from up top to hold the socket on the bolt while you're underneath to mitigate the risk of tilting it slightly and stripping the bolt.

Remove the bolts holding that bracket to the block instead.

Thanks guys, I'll give that a try. First I have to go back to the store and buy another 12mm socket - since it flew off in the engine compartment somewhere... Ha!

One 'mod' that I'd like to consider doing for my 850 is relocating the radiator fan to the other side of the shroud.

850/x70 Fan Shroud Mod - FWD/AWD 1998 and Prior - Volvospeed Forums

Seems like this would provide a lot more room to maneuver in there.

When taking that bolt off from up top, remember you are screwing the bolt DOWN out of the manifold, therefore, it acts like a bolt that is threaded backwards... Hope that makes sense.

You can get the fan out in about 5 minutes, and that should really help.

I just got the manifold off. I ended up loosening the bottom bracket and used a bunch of extensions on my ratchet, along with the swivel attachment. I was able to get it from the top. With the proper angle, I could finally SEE what i was doing. Thanks!