1985 Eldorado Barritz Water pump

[RFox]

Changing out the water pump on a 85 Cadillac Eldo. Barritz is not a 3 hr. project. Because the water pump is beneath various units, i.e., power steering pulley, crankshaft pulley and the AC compressor bracket all connected to an aluminum engine block HT 4.1 engine makes it a nice job. Using the Cadillac shop service manual is interesting and leaves a lot unsaid.
I'm down to the bracket of the compressor AC, unfortunately the top bolt is beneath the AC pulley, I can rotate the compressor to about 98% away from the underneath top bolt but that's it. I see using a AC Compressor Pulley tool without loosing the Freon is an option. Reason for removing the bolts is the water pump is connected beneath the AC Comp. engine bracket.
A second alternative is cutting the flange off the edge of the bolt partially and it should clear the AC pulley. Crazy, but it should work. This is a pain in the Ass. Anyone with this experience on a 30 yr. Cadillac Alum. HT 4.1 engine?
Thanks.

[maxwedge]

Hmm, not a 3 hour job, but not a breeze. Cut the bolt as you said.

[RFox]

Yes, that's my next step tonight will see what happens. Crazy way to take off a bracket, however, nether did the manual tell you to use a pulley puller to take off the crankshaft pulley either. Smile.