I'm currently trying to remove the exhaust manifold on a 2007 Mazda3 S with the 2.3 liter engine. The issue stems from the upstream O2 sensor seizing up completely and the nut rounding out when I tried to remove it. Yes, I tried PB Blaster but I'm far beyond any hope for removal at this point. The O2 sensor is now completely destroyed and I basically have to drill it out and weld on a new bung or just replace the entire exhaust manifold at this point.
I've removed all the bolts and nuts attaching the exhaust manifold to the vehicle but can't seem to route it out of the engine bay. I've tried over the course of a few days with someone helping me. I've removed just about everything I can to get the most clearance including the heat shields around the sway bar and brake lines both on the firewall and the steering rack. It just doesn't seem to be enough and will not come out. At this point, things are getting scratched up pretty bad and the thin foil around the exhaust below the firewall is ripped up pretty bad.
Does anyone have very detailed instructions on how exactly to remove the exhaust manifold for this particular model? Or does it need to be cut to be removed for this vehicle? At this point, I'm considering replacing the exhaust manifold so cutting the old one isn't out of the question. I just wanted to ask for tips before taking that time-consuming route and being forced to replace the exhaust manifold just for the 02 sensor.
Thanks.
I've removed all the bolts and nuts attaching the exhaust manifold to the vehicle but can't seem to route it out of the engine bay. I've tried over the course of a few days with someone helping me. I've removed just about everything I can to get the most clearance including the heat shields around the sway bar and brake lines both on the firewall and the steering rack. It just doesn't seem to be enough and will not come out. At this point, things are getting scratched up pretty bad and the thin foil around the exhaust below the firewall is ripped up pretty bad.
Does anyone have very detailed instructions on how exactly to remove the exhaust manifold for this particular model? Or does it need to be cut to be removed for this vehicle? At this point, I'm considering replacing the exhaust manifold so cutting the old one isn't out of the question. I just wanted to ask for tips before taking that time-consuming route and being forced to replace the exhaust manifold just for the 02 sensor.
Thanks.