99 3.0L V6 Head gaskets question

[kg8dh]

Hello,
This is my first post.
Replacing head gaskets on my 99 ranger. Gonna have the heads milled at the local machine shop.
Wondering if I should replace the lifters since they're right there. Already decided to replace water pump.
Power steering and a/c compressor bracket must have a bolt that I can't find.
Last water pump bolt is behind that bracket. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[JP02XLT]

The AC / PS bracket has a bolt into the head that is hidden by the belt tension-or, you can either remove the tension-er or have some one hold it out of the way for you, get a long wrench with some leverage for them as they have to hold it while you take the bolt out.

JP02XLT

 

[kg8dh]

The AC / PS bracket has a bolt into the head that is hidden by the belt tension-or, you can either remove the tension-er or have some one hold it out of the way for you, get a long wrench with some leverage for them as they have to hold it while you take the bolt out.

JP02XLT

Thanks for the help. There were 2 bolts back there. Got the bracket unbolted from the head, still something holding it to the block, but that doesn't matter. If I can get the last 2 bolts holding the exhaust manifold on, I can get the head off. If the head gasket isn't blown, or the head isn't cracked then this thing is getting scrapped. Not going to fool with it if the block is bad.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[evanesce69]

remove the tensioner... otherwise you will have to come at the bolt at an angle which can cause the socket to slip and round off the head.

the bolt holding the tensioner on is a torx type, I cant remember the size, but make sure the biting surface is clean... get the bit in there the best you can to save yourself headaches....

there are actually 5 bolts holding the bracket on... three on the front side of the head, one thst is about 8" long, two that are about 4" long.

the other two are located behind and below the power steering pump and thread into the block. they are difficult to reach but must be removed for the bracket to come off

 

[Rearanger]

the bolt holding the tensioner on is a torx type, I cant remember the size

41 4650 by Easco- at least that's what is stamped on my socket bit Torx