08' HHR Flex pipe replacement
#1
08' HHR Flex pipe replacement
Hello everyone. Been lurking here for a while and have gotten solid info concerning the HHR platform exclusively from this group and YT. I came across a used 08 LS 2.2L for a good price, the owner told me the motor was shot. Checked it out, ordered a long block replacement to drop in. She's ready to come out *BUT* I admittedly have been saving the exhaust disconnections in the back for last for two reasons, one of which I learned about from this group:
The nuts/studs are not budging, I can see my classic move I've done on other flanges where I muscle the nut then it miraculously gives finally and I see a broken stud poking out of the socket on the drawback (*sigh*)
An 08' flex pipe section (doesn't look like anything back there has ever been changed) just doesn't sit right with me mating it up to a new block.
Since the nuts are not budging off the flange, should I just order a new flex pipe section, saw the pipe off about an inch down from the weld to give me and acceptable margin for the replacement, and go for a new manifold also? I have MIG and TIG sitting right here, ready.
Haven't seen a crack in the old one yet, but I suspect it won't be long after bolting everything back together that this might develop.
Thoughts?
The nuts/studs are not budging, I can see my classic move I've done on other flanges where I muscle the nut then it miraculously gives finally and I see a broken stud poking out of the socket on the drawback (*sigh*)
An 08' flex pipe section (doesn't look like anything back there has ever been changed) just doesn't sit right with me mating it up to a new block.
Since the nuts are not budging off the flange, should I just order a new flex pipe section, saw the pipe off about an inch down from the weld to give me and acceptable margin for the replacement, and go for a new manifold also? I have MIG and TIG sitting right here, ready.
Haven't seen a crack in the old one yet, but I suspect it won't be long after bolting everything back together that this might develop.
Thoughts?
#2
Welcome to the site, soak the three nuts and bolts with PB Blaster or your choice of penetrating oil. Use a six point deep socket the correct size, 15 MM , an extension and a 24 inch breaker bar.
#3
Long block would imply includes exhaust manifold, to me.
However, a new flex pipe is probably a good investment. There are several options, I would get one that has the bend in it, they come short and long. The long ones are easier to deal with.
However, a new flex pipe is probably a good investment. There are several options, I would get one that has the bend in it, they come short and long. The long ones are easier to deal with.
#4
#7
RJ, we’re discussing a 2.2 here! Not the turbocharged 2.0
https://zzperformance.com/products/l61-2-2l-long-block
https://zzperformance.com/products/ldk-long-block
https://zzperformance.com/products/l61-2-2l-long-block
https://zzperformance.com/products/ldk-long-block
#9
Hey everybody, thanks for replying, literally 5 min after I posted here, walked back to the bay (I presoaked the studs/nuts one last time earlier in the day) tried it again for the hell of it and got budges on all three, studs and nuts in a labeled bag right now. I still think it might be a good idea to go with a new flex at this point, I'm just getting free time to go back there again and pluck her out to check the exhaust manifold, I'll keep this thread updated