I'm pulling apart some of the vehicle looking for leaks and noises. Is it possible to disconnec the AC and move it aside without disconnecting it? It looks like there are some flex hoses but I want to be certain. I like my functioning AC.

 

Yes you can unbolt the compressor and move it aside without any issues. Just take your time and be gentle when moving it.

 

Thanks, I removed the alternator and compressor and confirmed that the valley pan is leaking and several other seals. Engine is disgusting. Cant wait to get all these seals in the mail and clean this thing up

 

is it common for the head gaskets to leak coolant outward?

 

HG can leak any fluid (coolant, oil, exhaust gas) in any direction or multiple ones at same time. Also common for valley pan to have loose bolts on rear, and the lip seals to be failed at low point of the valley from tightening the single mounting nut in a vain attempt to seal off oil.

That said, the normal extenal water leak spot is the rear, where gasket covers less real estate around the coolant passage into the head. Leaks along the sides and middle cyclinder require some warp, and in some cases cracked block behind sleeve.

 

Well i have the alternator and ac off. The front of the valley is leaking along with the valve covers. If I remove the intake will I get a good view of the rear of the HG's so see if they're leaking? I'm really trying to avoid replacing the head gaskets at this time due to a lack of place to work and funds.

 

If I have to i will, but if it can be put off for a year that would be great.

 

The valley pan has two lip seals (front and back) that do most of the oil leaking. Bolt right at the bottom of the valley at each end. Metal piece squished down on rubber gasket.

Coolant is at the corners of the valley pan. You can get the valley pan off after valve covers removed. ihscouts pulls the whole intake and throttle body as one unit.

As for place to work on it, I've been out under the tree, hood gets closed at end of work each day, and all the jumble of parts are in the back.

 

Haha funny you say that, I do the same thing. I occasionally get my roomies to help push it around the parking lot so the managers dont think im storing a broken vehicle.

Well it looks like tomorrow night I'll yank the intake off and is there some technique on removing the entire thing as one unit? I would love that! haha

 

If you are pulling the cover and you are over 100,000 miles, consider also replacing the timing chain set and the oil pump, both will have wear at this point.