do you have to remove exhaust manifold to replace headgasket

[markie_g]

to save time by the book(1999 explorer manual)is it really necessary to discharge the A/C and remove the exhaust manifold when doing a head gasket R/R?Any other short cuts will be appreciated.

 

[Maniak]

On the OHV motor, IF the A/C lines go under the throttle body you don't have to open the system. If the lines go behind the plenum its hard to get everything off without discharging the system.

You need to remove the exhaust manifolds from the heads. I found that it is easier to do that than to remove the collector from the exhaust.

~Mark