I have parts and tools collected ( I hope) and dive into this at the crack of dawn tomorrow. I will update my progress daily. My first question for the forum; Do I need to remove the hood as per the RAVE or can this job be done leaving the hood mounted?

 

Many posters involved in this process report removing hood. If you search for threads started by Eric Tyrell you will find mny photos of what to expect.

 

i did not remove the "bonnet". didnt find it necessary (well lit garage)

 

It can be done either way.
Prop hood up disconnect w/w hose 4 bolts and off.
You can have it off (and back on) faster than I typed this reply,
and definitly faster than trying to decide whether or not to.

 

I pulled my entire engine out without removing the hood. You'll need to support it higher than the prop rod will of course.

 

Not sure if you already checked this or not, but are you certain your issue is with the head gaskets? The 4.6 blocks are notorious for having cylinder liners slip and leak.

 

I am as sure as I can be at this point. Ihave coolant leaking from the rear of the cylinder heads or valley pan area. I cant see the source clearly so I wont know for sure ontil I get the Manifold off. Progress so far today is much slower than I hoped for.

 

First, how do you know you have a head gasket issue, be specific? If you do, then read all the information in the Rave on this repair and remove the hood with the help of a friend.
Where are you planning to buy your parts?

 

I had coolant leaking from from rear of engine. Couldnt see source clearly but was from rear of a cylinder head or valley pan. I am currently trying to find a 1/4 drive 8mm 12 point socket for the valve covers my 3/8 drive wont reach.

 

By the way the secondary air hoses have to come off and its best if you have access to an compressed air to use an air chisel to loosen them up. if not then use a chisel and a hammer.

Do that first then heat the vehicle up, then take out the nuts to the exhaust manifold to catalytic converter nuts. alot of times the nuts come out with the studs. its always best to replace the studs and the nuts to eliminate problems later on. But doing it cold will snap the studs and you will be taking them out with a drill.

if you can take out the air in the front tires for a little extra room and take off the pan cover on the bottom so you can find anything lost on the ground. Take off the steering shock on the front to remove the cover.