MG Car Repair: intake bolts, intake manifold gasket, lotus engine

Question
Howard,
I have a 1979 MG midget, I just replace the intake manifold gasket.  I had no problem removing the bolts however, I am having a very difficult time tightening the two bolts on the bottom, I cant seem to get the wrench to tighten up those bolts the way they should, the wrench will only turn so far, then cant seem to get it to turn with out hitting the manifold or not going on at all. can you tell me what can I do or is there a special tool that will go in there just right to tighten these bolts? its driving nuts. Thanks for your help.

Rudy

Answer
Hi Rudy,

Many engines have the same problem of access to the lower intake and exhaust manifold nuts. I have rebuilt many 1500 Spitfire engines but I don't remember which wrench I used but as best I can remember I used a long 1/2 in Snap-on wrench that I usually use for several of the British Manifolds (except the Lotus engine in the Jensen Healey) Which required cutting and welding on a wrench.

Even though it is not easy to access, I did not have to make a special wrench on the 1500 Spitfire engine used in the Midget. You might look at the long combination wrench as a possible cure for your problem.

Howard