electrolock head bolt on 28

[iverson]

tried to go for a ride today but after several hours of messing around I am 90% sure its the condenser. I ordered one from snyders my question is our car has the manifold heater and there is not room to get out cond. with out taking off manifold or headbolt that holds armored cable to head I have read on the barn before about causing head gasket leaks taking off head bolt I cant find that post so my question. is it safe to take off that head bolt with out causing gasket problems? I know the head has not been off car at least 65 years if ever, it runs very good. it did before today anyway. would you guys take off manifold or chance the head bolt?

 

[RawhideKid]

You can remove the #8 nut without doing damage as long as you don't start the engine with the nut off, and place it back on snuggly while working on the distributor. Be sure when you replace the nut after the work is done, you retorque the nut to at least 55#.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

If you cannot get at the screw that retains the distributor to the head then, leave the head bolt alone, remove the manifold.

If you can get at the screw, lower the water level (to be safe) and remove the nut.

 

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Definitely lower water level before loosening head bolt!!!

 

[supergnat]

Oh no, I didn't know that removing that bolt would would cause a problem. I removed that nut, water came out, and the stud is loose also. I installed a spare armored cable clamp on the engine to stop the leak while the I replace my gas tank. What should I do when I put everything back together? Should I remove the stud and put thread sealer on it before reinstalling the clamp? I guess I should also lower the water level.
Supergnat

 

[iverson]

Condenser fixed it I drained the water loosened head bolt dust came up enuf to get condenser out easy 5 minute fix. Filled with water seems ok rain hasn't stoped to go for a ride yet but seems all well. Thanks for all the tips guys!