Is it possible? Replace manifold boot in place?

[Bohdan]

I have a bad boot on the intake manifold. Last time I replaced these, I took the engine out. Since the one I need to replace is on the left, ( little more room without the carburetor in the way), do you reckon I can take the manifold off in place? Seems a bit tight. Mighty obliged.

[GI Joe]

My recollection is there should be No problem with swapping a boot in situ..
The manifold ends and center don't actually connect, but by the boot alone. This give plenty of "flex" room to rise the manifold ends off the head and slip the boot on...
I think.....
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[JayC]

I have done it..

But as my good buddy Edd Chyna says... "It's a bit fiddly..."

[74 Thing]

They make split boots so you do not have to disassemble.

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Split-Intake-Manifold-Boots-Each-113-129-729SP-p/113-129-729sp.htm

[germanbilly]

In the years I worked with VW split boots Suck. They are know for leaking. It is not hard to install the boots in the car. Just unbolt the heat risers, The intakes. If there is a bolt on the manifold that attaches to the block take it out. Lift the manifold up and slide it to one side. Take the boots out there is not a lot of room but it only takes less than a hour. Make sure to tighten the clamps tight so there is no leaks.
GB

[GI Joe]

For the effects of the smallest leak in this pre boots, there is NO way I'd trust a split boot..... That just seems silly that someone even produced them.....
_________________
'74 Thing, "Our Thing"....
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...p;start=60
'71 Beetle RPU
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8080337#8080337
www.NLEOMF.com
Respect, Honor, Remember

[Bohdan]

Thanks guys. Do I have to take some metal out too? Cheers

[germanbilly]

No metal has to be removed, it is close but they go in and connect you might have to us a thin scribe to work them onto the manifold tubes but they go on and a lot quicker than pulling the engine.
GB

[Bohdan]

Mighty obliged guys. I guess a weekend project. Cheers

[germanbilly]

Be careful when you unbolt the manifolds at the heads. Make sure that you remove all the washers and nuts and get them away from the intakes. Don't drop anything down the intakes. From a long time ago experence . lol.
GB

[Bohdan]

Thanks. I was able to successfully remove the left intake manifold. I had to only loosen the heater riser pipe. In the meantime the manifold cracked and the piece holding to the block broke off. Thankfully, nothing went down the chute. It was cracked for a while since it was not a fresh crack so that you can see exposed aluminum.Thanks for the help guys.