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Discussion Topic:
cylinder head removal
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Dustbowl |
07-23-2012 @ 6:03 PM
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Member
Posts: 74
Joined: Feb 2011
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A cylinder head (21 studs) in my 36 Ford is stuck on tight, even though it has been less than 5 years since it was last off. I have removed all the studs, left plugs in and cranked engine. But no movement. What are the next best, or better, things to try? The engine is in the car.
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supereal |
07-23-2012 @ 8:35 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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Are your heads aluminum?
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6lucky13 |
07-24-2012 @ 11:25 AM
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Member
Posts: 57
Joined: Jun 2011
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I have had the most success with when removing iron heads using the following procedure: Purchase a pack of hard plastic shims from Home Depot (approximately 1.25 x 2 inches). Gently tap the shim under the head and work around the perimeter using additional shims to gently lift the head. Insert the shims a small amount each time and work from one side to the other to lift the head evenly on all sides until it is finally released. I used this method to remove original iron heads from a 37 block with ease. Hope this helps. Jon
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Dustbowl |
07-24-2012 @ 2:54 PM
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Member
Posts: 74
Joined: Feb 2011
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heads are iron
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Peterooster |
07-24-2012 @ 4:24 PM
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Member
Posts: 15
Joined: Mar 2010
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Feed small rope through spark plug opening into cylinder, turn engine over till it pops head free. Pete
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supereal |
07-24-2012 @ 6:57 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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It is likely the heads are bonded to the studs. Be careful about prying them off, as damage to the block surface and/or the heads may result. We use the same process as for stuck spark plugs. Soak the area around the studs with a good grade of penetrating oil and allow it to work before attempting removal. Repeat as you gain some movement. Slight leakage around studs that enter the cooling jacket cause the rust bond. If all else fails, we wire weld nuts to the stuck studs and work them out carefully. The heat usually helps. Plan to replace all studs, in any case.
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TomO |
07-25-2012 @ 7:15 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7244
Joined: Oct 2009
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Because you have all of the studs removed, you can use a rubber mallet to move the head and free it and the gasket from the block. I would not use the rope as it may get between the valves and the head, bending a valve that will later break when driving.
Tom
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