Pulling distributor- head gasket question

[Bruce_MO]

I have to pull my gas tank to boil it out, and I'll need to remove the distributor and the pop-out so I can pull the pop-out thru the dash. Is there any risk that the head gasket will leak by removing the clamp at the head stud? Should I drain the coolant?

I plan on removing the head nut at the clamp just long enough to get things out of the way, then I'll re-torque the head nut until it's time to put everything back together.

Thanks

 

[1931 flamingo]

I think to cover all bases I would drain the coolant below the head gasket, why "create" another problem, it won't take that long and then you're sure. JMO
Paul in CT

 

[AAart]

I have to pull my gas tank to boil it out, and I'll need to remove the distributor and the pop-out so I can pull the pop-out thru the dash. Is there any risk that the head gasket will leak by removing the clamp at the head stud? Should I drain the coolant?

I plan on removing the head nut at the clamp just long enough to get things out of the way, then I'll re-torque the head nut until it's time to put everything back together.

Thanks

I just loosened mine,no prob.just re torque 50 55 lbs.

 

[Tom Endy]

To answer your question, yes, the coolant can leak. When you remove the nut on the #8 stud the head can slightly warp and allow coolant to run down into the oil pan. I saw it happen on a tour one time when the owner removed the distributor for repair in the hotel parking lot.

My suggestion would be to obtain a spacer or a stack of washers and very quickly replace the nut with the spacers as soon as you remove the clamp, then torque the nut back down to the torque value.

I don't use a pop-out clamp on my cars for the reasons stated. I have a 1\4" spacer under the nut on the #8 stud.

Tom Endy

 

[Larry Brumfield]

Is there any risk that the head gasket will leak by removing the clamp at the head stud? Should I drain the coolant?


Thanks

The answer to both your questions is "Yes." The head won't necessarily warp but it can flex enough to cause a leak, immediately.

 

[glenn in camino]

If you screw up a repair in the hotel parking lot, Your friends never let you forget it. That was me and my deluxe delivery leaking water into the oil at the hotel in Santa Barbara about 20 years ago. Thanks Tom, I learned a good lesson that day that I'll never forget. Always drain the coolant before loosening #8 head nut.