Removing Intake Manifold

[miami567]

Ok, I am trying to replace the intake manifold gasket for my 01 s-10 (4.3 V6). I got to the point of the last bolt at the front driver side of the engine. This sits directly underneath the power steering pump/ac compressor bracket. It will not come out without moving this huge bracket. It appears I have to remove the p/s pump pulley just to loosen the bolts to let the whole bracket move forward enough to get the bolt out. Is this correct? What a nightmare.

Second question, how do you remove the fan from the water pump? Do I have to remove the water pump and fan as an assembly? I already removed the bolts for the fan to the clutch, that did'nt work, then I removed the bolts from the pulley to the pump, that did'nt work, and I can't seem to get the large nut (or at least I think it is a large nut) to break loose. I think it will need to move to get the puller in there for the p/s pump.

I sure hope one of you guys tells me there is an easier way, because this is a real pain in the ass.

[miami567]

Well, I answered my own question. If you loosen the steel bracket behind the p/s pump (2 nuts from underneath and 1 from up top), it will allow the whole bracket assembly to slide forward enough to get the manifold bolt out.

[tt85_GM]

I hope you torqued the bolts properly in sequence after you replaced the gasket.