P2 T5, fixing reduced performance mode + giving it TLC... need help please

[sanj]

Hey people,

My P2 2.4 T5 2006 went into "Reduced Performance Mode" and although it drove fine, the power was slightly but noticeably off.

The fault codes indicated
- P2281 Air leak between MAF and Throttle Body.
- P0100 and P0602 - I was assuming this is the the ECU saying 'Hey im expecting this much air, but only getting this much.. somethings up!".

I already knew it had an air leak somewhere when I got it remapped last December becuase the MAF readings were a little down but being lazy and having too much fun with the power , I ignored it...

Long story short... I found that the seal on the dipstick tube had failed and gunky oily crap was spewing out all around my catch can, alternator and generally under the intake manifold.

This is a picture of the bottom of the dipstick pipe once I cleaned it up, it was much worse..


After taking off the intake manifold and degreasing\decarbing everything I noticed this in the pipe coming out of the intercooler and into my main turbo pipe.


This rip was originally covered up by loads of gunk (from failed dipstick pipe seal I assume...) - air leak found

How best to remove the dip stick pipe, clean it, change the seal and refit?

Also I cant take off this damn bolt so I cant change the intake manifold gasket, something on top of the alternator is hampering the bolt from fully unscrewing... any advice? Its the last 1!


Anything else I should be maintaining while I have the intake manifold off?

Cheers in advance for all your help
Sanj