Looking to replace the coolant tower without breaking the old one. Would like the best method to remove the bolts under the inlet manifold. If there is one or a tool that works?

 

I always clean the intake area near each intake port (with solvent and compressed air) and then remove all 10 intake M8x1.25 bolts.
(Leave the throttle elbow bolts)
Lift the front of the intake about an inch and remove/replace thermostat tower.

Press the intake back in place and install the 10 bolts.

Never had one leak but make sure the seals don't become displaced when lifting/lowering the intake. (slow and easy)

bob

 

+1 on lifting the inlet manifold to get clearance to the two rear bolts of the thermostat housing.

When replacing the plastic housing with the metal one, use constant-tension clamps on any connections that have plastic connections. Do not use jubilee clips or worm-drive clamps as they cause the plastic to eventually crack and fail.

 

Thanks for the info. Was hoping someone had found a tool which
could access the rear bolts to save taking the inlet manifold off and upsetting the seals. Waiting for an articulated spanner to arrive to try that, otherwise it’s going to be manifold up. ;-)

 

I made a right angle bend on a 8MM wrench, then found a crowfoot one with a 1/4 inch drive.
When I installed the new one, I used the Allen head bolts with the round head extension, worked a treat, and only needed those for the rear ones.

 

I replaced mine about a year ago. Trying to remember getting those back bolts off. They were a pain. I also replaced them with Torx bolts. No Leaks

 

Couldn’t find an off the shelf tool and didn’t want to break the old one off. Used the inlet manifold lift method suggested by Bob (Motorcarman) and have made a video for information. The link is below if interested in that method.

Coolant tower upgrade EP33 Jaguar XK8/XKR (X100)