Has anyone ever changed the steam pipe seals with the engine in the car. I forgot to put the steam pipe seals in when assembling my engine and I have a little water leak on the passenger side steam pipe. I can't get to the driver side bolt but I got the passenger bolt loose. Any ideas

 

yes, the straight style gear wrench will work best. Its a Pita but it can be done....

 

My oil pressure sensor is in the way. I can't get the closed end on it.

 

then take it out if you have to

 

Is that possible with the engine in the car. There is no room to turn the wrench. I don't think I could even get a wrench on it.

 

it is possible, I have done it a few times

 

Bolts will be Bubba tight. But it is done all the time.

 

Line wrench only man.

 

Why the line wrench? The bolt head is 15mm IIRC and NOT made out of brass.

 

No, it's not brass but you'll want as much grip on that bolt head as possible. There will be a lot of corrosion holding that bolt in there and a regular wrench will want to round the corners off. I had one so tight I had to use a stupid vice-grip on it to get it loose and it fought me the whole way out. Luckily it was the DS, I doubt I could have gotten the VG's on the PS.

Oh yeah, replace the bolts when you replace the seals, they corrode inside and could block flow.

 

The steam pipe bolt has only been on the engine for maybe 3 weeks so there should be no problem cracking it. I forgot to install the seals when putting the pipe back on.

 

The 2 seals cost me $28 at the dealer. How can PONTIAC be going out of business when they can sell two rubber washers for nearly $30.
I could only get the passenger side so I'll save the driver side for a rainy day.

 

The Passenger side is easier. The drivers side can be done with a gear wrench (ratcheting wrench); I pushed wires out of the way gently and got it done. Also if you drop the bolt when puting it back in it can sandwich between trany and body. You can get it from the bottom. Good luck.

 

pontiac is going out of business because its no longer a viable brand for the slow automotive market & the ver shrinking economy not to mention making junk like my 2000 grand am

 

I hope the seals are not dealer only items. I still have to buy a set.