Water pump replacement 97 900s, nonturbo
Been looking for insight in replacing water pump on my 1997 Saab 900s, non-turbo. Problem is, no one mentions obstruction of the bolts holding the water pump, by what I believe is the exhaust, or intake manifold. Possibly the bolts were put in from wrong side? These are the bolts of the star or hex screw type I am speaking of. I appears I need to remove the lower of the manifold pipes- I'm a bit of a novice, so I am assuming this is what I'm looking at. There clearly is no way of getting to the water pump bolts with this as an obstruction Some of the bolts on this assumed manifold pipe are ordinary, others have an extension, with the bolt at the end, and all look to have a welding compound on them, so I foresee it being a difficult task, and worried about breaking bolts and other unforeseen problems. I see no alternative but to remove this, but I am worried due to the fact they seem to have been affixed so permanently, and just dumbfounded that no one mentions this as being in the way of removal of the water pump in any of a number of posts I've read about the process. Any input would be appreciated, if anyone has any insight on any aspect of this, including safe removal of the pipe. The air conditioning compressor is above the water pump on my model. I have seen arguments on unbolting this unit and moving it for easier access, but that is the least of my concerns at the moment, considering the problem I've outlined. Thanks in advance for any help on this conundrum.
