Exhaust Manifold Gasket; DIY, or PSTDI? 89 hatch KA24E

[benjaminwarfield]

So... Here's my issue.. Took my piggy to the shop today on my lunch break to assess my reason for loosing brain cells every time I drive due to a massive exhaust leak in the engine bay.

He looked it over (and so did I, heh) and we discovered the problem to be with the exhaust manifold gasket. They said that they'd replace it for $200 if I supply the part.. That seemed a little steep to me.. It doesn't look too difficult to do, but it's something I've never done before and I'm always a bit paranoid venturing down new paths when it comes to cars..

So, is it difficult? Should I do it, or cough up the bones to get it done?

Also, my seat belt on the drivers side is now stuck in the forward position (happened on my way back to the office from the shop).. Any suggestions?

TIA,

~ Ben

[dickie]

for problem 1, replacing the gasket is easy. its a cheap $5.00 part at the autozone or pep boys nearest to you.

replacing it is basically removing the manifold, removing the old gasket, and re-installing. should be cake... then again you DID have to ask you you might get a second opinion on that charge since its such a simple task.

for your seatbelt, take it to a nissan dealership and ask if the repair falls under the free service included in the recall. if it does, let them fix it

[benjaminwarfield]

Nice, you are a champion amongst men.

Thanks for the info!

[dickie]

so true, but nice to hear all the same.

btw, if you DO decide to DIY, check out the FSM section for info like bolt sizes, locations, and tq specs.

also, if your old gasket is anything like mine, it will be a total mother to get off. watch your knuckles.

[JonBlaze]

When I finally got tired of my drivers side seat belt on my '89 240hatch not working frequently enough to be legal, I found the solution in the original nissan owners manual, as if the fine lads at nissan expected this -ish to happen sooner or later to all owners. The owners manual gives a great temporary solution, if you want to follow step three every time you open/close the door. All a DYI-er needs is an allen wrench multi tool and 30 minutes to disable the automated seatbelt function forever (annoying dash seatbelt light not included). After this is complete you do have to buckle yourself in MANUALLY (yes, with your hands!) for both belts. Basically, it goes like this.....

1. remove back seat and plastic trim panels behind seat with malfunctioned seatbelt, namely the largest plastic panel that covers the inside of the quarter panel.2. locate the blue (memory not so clear) seat belt device, there is an exposed allen wrench hole here.3. (use this step if your seat belt is in the forward position) insert allen wrench into said hole and start cranking, one way goes towards full back postion and the other is opposite (figure it out.)4. to disable the door sensor, just unplug the connector that is plugged into the seat belt device.5.replace all necessities and your good to go.....