Coolant hose connector on back of head

[eskimo810]

Holy waffleswaffleswaffleswaffles am I an idiot.

So finishing up my head gasket job, filled the car with oil, la-di-da, filled the car with coolant, it all pours out the of head. In the back. Awesome. Seems I forgot to transfer the metal outlet connector to the new head, and I even missed that there was a coolant hose dangling in the back of the engine bay.

Like I said, idiot.

Has anybody had to change this gasket ever? I've spent over an hour trying to wriggle this piece in between the firewall and the head and I'm at the brink of insanity. I can't even get a bolt threaded into the holes without even trying to attach the gasket and connector at the same time. Any tips?

[Gregs///M]

Small hands would help.

Or if its that impossible, maybe unbolt the motor from mounts and lift it a bit enough to get the clearance you need to install the two bolts and gasket. GL

[eskimo810]

Is there anything to be said about dropping the engine a few inches?

[jlevie]

When I've had to replace the gasket on that fitting I put the car on jack stands, put a floor jack under the subframe, remove the subframe bolts, and lower the engine a couple of inches.

[eskimo810]

When I've had to replace the gasket on that fitting I put the car on jack stands, put a floor jack under the subframe, remove the subframe bolts, and lower the engine a couple of inches.

And the steering rack, does that need to be moved at all? Hate to be hesitant, everything I do is my first time.

Edit: Never mind, just looked at it. Makes sense now. I'm going to give it a shot and hope it doesn't rain on me.

[eskimo810]

Yeah so dropping the subframe did the trick. Just working on getting the bolt holes aligned again. #wafflewaffleswaffleswafflesdirtdriveways

[eskimo810]

For the record, not fun. This was after I dropped the subframe 3+ inches.



The only tool ended up being able to use:

[florida_dirt]

i did the same thing when i replaced the head on my car.. helps to have someone else guide you with a screwdriver or something from the passanger side i was able to get it on by getting my hand under the intake manifold.. pain in the ass to tighten the clamp too once its on.. good luck

[MR 325]

I'd recommend investing on a ratcheting 10mm wrench as well. ;)

[eskimo810]

I'd recommend investing on a ratcheting 10mm wrench as well. ;)

Ha. My dad had gotten home as I finally got a bolt threaded and asked me why I didn't go to the store and get a ratcheting wrench. I told him it was because my car wasn't running.

TL;DR: Yes, all I could think about was how heavenly a ratcheting wrench must be.