Have a few questions about headgasket repair

[lakersfan1]

On my last car, you could leave the lines in tact and pull the whole engine out with the AC in tact even though the manual wanted you to unplug ..... but that was R12, so I tried without unhooking. Worked out fine. Just try to work around it if possible. The manuals are set up with the mechanic in mind, who would probably have an AC recycling system on hand. The backyard mechanic workarounds usually aren't detailed. They just assume the reader has tons of equipment and tools ..... looking to make a profit on little time - while the backyard mechanic has the opposite problem ..... no tools or equipment but the time to do the job right.

Speaking of tools, pulling the crank pulley usually doesn't require a special tool unless it's really rusted on. I've always been able to break crank pulleys with a rubber mallet, a pry bar, and PB Blaster.

[adamf123]

Well, I broke 2 3 jaw pullers trying to get the harmonic balancer off. Its currently soaking in PB blaster. I'll try again tomorrow.

I was able to keep the A/C lines in place. I got the motor mount and everything off, basically just waiting on the dampner to come off.


Oh and I still have to remove the cam pulleys. I couldnt find a holding tool anywhere, autozone or harbor frieght. Guess I'll be making one tomorrow.