Thank you gentlemen for your sound advice. Now is it easier to remove the
A/C compressor at its bracket? Also what tool is ideal for cutting off those
exhaust bolts? Can I use a chisel and a hammer or should I go to Harbor
Freight and get a cheap electric metal cutter? And where can I get the
stainless steel replacement bots and nuts for cheap? Thanks,
J-W
87 Westy with 2.1 WBX

On 9/5/06, Zoltan <zolo@foxinternet.net> wrote:
>
> Well, when I do this, I take the engine out and put it on a stand that has
> a
> bell housing on it to receive the engine readily.
> Yes, the AC comes off and hung by a wire, but not take the hose off, not
> let
> the gas out.
> Its a pain in the back, but that how it goes.  The AC is one of the worse
> part, the other is the exhaust system.
> Working on a stand is a dream compared to do it in place.
> Also a good time for me to change all the bolts and nuts for stainless on
> the exhaust system, which is a bitch to work on as it is.
> Zoltan
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jean-Woo Kim" <jkim.phd@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2006 9:28 PM
> Subject: Head gasket replacement driver's side only.
>
>
> >I am trying to replace the driver's side head gasket on my 87 westy. I
> > replaced the passenger side head gasket 8 months ago. As I remember, it
> > was
> > not that difficult. Now that I am trying to do the driver's side, I see
> a
> > lot of things getting in the way. Do I have to remove the A/C compressor
> > from the top? Do I have to remove part or all of the exhaust system? Can
> > somebody who's done it before advise me?
> >
> > J-W
> >
> > ps. I bought Carfax for purchasing a back-up/daily commuter.
> >
> >
> > --
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.7/437 - Release Date:
> > 2006.09.04.
> >
> >
>
>