Just started to remove eng from a 73/98 when removing the ac compressor bracket the bolts at the head started to turn I believe that thay are head bolts,I was not planning to remove the heads,was going to replace rest of gaskets and paint engine should I just retoqure the bolts or am I asking for trouble later on? Can any recomend a good gasket set?

 

The head bolts hold only the heads on to the block. Any accessory brackets will use other bolts. Any auto repair manual should show you wher the head bolts are, like Chiltons, Motor, etc. if you do not have any Olds service manuals.

 

There are two or three head bolts (one on the drivers side and one or two {I can't remember for the A/C} on the passengers side) that have studs on top of them for both the A/C and the alternator.
If your head bolt loosened up while trying to remove the nut that holds the bracket on then either that thing was RUSTY or the bolt needed attention anyhow.
It couldn't hurt to re-torque all of the head bolts just to be on the safe side. Seeing that this engine is 37 years old it can't hurt.

 

No I don,t have any manuels yet! when all esle fails I'll read the instructions.
the bolt are on the right side I,ll take them out and have a look for rust,then check the holes for coolant.kind of concerned about blowing a gasket after I re install the engine.
Thanks,

 

Here are the torque spec's http://www.442.com/tech/torque.html

Just re-torque them. If you loosen them all then you had better replace the gaskets.

 

if it was just one bolt i would just re torque it. i don't think it would hurt anything. i would at least replace the freeze plugs before you put it in another car. especially the one behind the head.

 

Thanks,citcapp added that site to favorites.I plan to replaces other gaskets and all freeze plugs plus rear main seal
thanks to all
Nelson

 

Seeing as the engine is 37 years old and the factory steel shim head gaskets tend to rust out. It would be a great idea to replace the head gaskets. You also have to pull the pan and remove the rear main cap and at least loosen the other four main caps in order to lift the crank to get to the rear main seal. Be sure to hot tank the oil pan.
If you use the Fel-pro head gaskets, I would mill the heads at least .030 to make up for the thickness of the new head gasket. that should bring you back to the factory compression. While you are there, do the timing chain and a new oil pump. Be sure to shim the spring on the new oil for a little extra measure.
Just a couple of thoughts I had while you have the engine on the engine stand.
Gene

 

Here are a few pictures of my toy 73/98

 

new to this computer stuff,hope restoring the car is easier lol

 

Cool car! It is definitely red!