I have installed a new muffler and tailpipe with new gaskets, but to
no avail, as i still have a gaping leak at the #1 cylinder head. The
gasket flaked off partially and has started it seems (as indicated by
my mechanics) to erode the engine head. They feel that in order to
replace said gasket, they will have to file down the head to get a
flat surface but are concerned and perplexed by the idea of doing so
without breaking any of the exaust manifolds. They believe that the
pipes will have to be split at every joint they connect at in order to
replace the exaust and that i'm opening up a few interesting issues
involving rust.

Is there a prefered method of removing a single exaust manifold port
(or a single side) far enough to get a file in there and file the head
slightly without having to remove the head studs and without having to
break the entire exaust system. They told me it could be as much as 4
hours of work ($75/hr!!!!).

I sudgested the idea of getting a seperate complete exaust system,
cutting the bolts with it out of the car and replacing them and the
gaskets as needed to make the mechanics job much easier. Is this a
good idea? If so.....whos got a spare 1.9L exaust system they wish to
part with?

-Craig
'85GL