Q: How can you gain better access to the sides of the engine when removing the exhaust manifold in V6 engine on Chevrolet Astro?
A: To gain better access to the sides of the engine, it may be easier to remove the front wheel and work through the wheel well in some situations. Begin by disconnecting the negative battery cable from the battery and removing the engine cover. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. While working under the vehicle, apply penetrating oil to the exhaust pipe-to-manifold studs and nuts, which are usually rusty, and then remove the nuts holding the exhaust pipe(s) to the manifold(s). For the right side manifold on carbureted and TBI models, remove the air filter assembly and heat stove pipe, release the hose clamp, and separate the hose from the AIR system check valve. Detach the spark plug wires from the plugs and brackets and position them out of the way. For the left side manifold on 1986 through 1995 models, follow the oxygen sensor wiring harness to the connector and disconnect it. Detach the spark plug wires from the spark plugs and routing brackets, and position them out of the way. On 1985 through 1990 models, unscrew the AIR pipe fitting at the manifold, release the clamp, and disconnect the hose from the AIR system check valve, then unbolt the AIR pipe bracket from the manifold. For 1996 through 2002 models, unscrew the EGR pipe fittings at the intake and exhaust manifolds, remove the clamp bolt securing it to the intake manifold, and remove the EGR tube from the engine, applying penetrating oil to the pipe fittings to ease removal. Bend the lock tabs back, then remove the mounting bolts and separate the manifold from the head, allowing the heat shields to come off after the bolts are removed. Check the manifold for cracks and ensure the bolt threads are clean and undamaged, making sure the mating surfaces are clean before reinstalling the manifolds using a gasket scraper to remove all carbon deposits. Before installing the exhaust manifold, apply anti-seize compound to the threads of all fasteners, position the manifold, tab washers, and heat shields on the head, and install the mounting bolts. When tightening the mounting bolts, work from the center to the ends using a torque wrench, tightening the bolts in three equal steps until the specified torque is reached. The remaining installation steps are the reverse of removal, and finally, start the engine and check for exhaust leaks.