tricky head job

derek1.08 · April 07, 2009, 08:38:55 PM

G'day blokes
Thought I'd ask just in case someone has trick way of easily removing head of two litre motor that has fused itself to the head bolts.
I have been grunting and groaning, cussing and cursing for three days and have managed to get it about three quarters the way up using levers and jack working head up and down. the last bit seems to be the most difficult. I have been putting oil down holes in hope it might lubricate and soften the oxidized alloy. I know I will get it eventually but I was wondering if anyone has heard of using an acid or alkalie. I havent dared in case I do something seriously wrong.
Is there an easier way other than explosives?

jimnielsen · April 07, 2009, 09:07:59 PM

the standard way is to cut a square piece of 10mm plate steel so that it goes over at least the tops of the inner for studs. Drill a hole in the middle of the plate - then get a spark plug - cut the top from it and weld on a threaded rod then insert the 'threaded plug' into a sparkplug hole - pop over the plate and put a nut on the rod (on top of the plate) and off comes the head! - ok that sounds complicated... here is a pic of the sort of thing..

http://www.totallyalfa.com/assets/images/P1010028_000.JPG

jimn~

alfagtv152 · April 28, 2009, 08:50:22 PM

Hi derek1.08,
The tool Jim talked about is the go but that will only break the seal and lift it a short distance.I made one with a plate the full length of the head with 4 holes to pick up on all the plug holes if needed and a series of holes down each side to line up with the studs so that you can wind bolts or threaded rod down onto the studs and chase them down each time you pull the head up a bit more,I use very long nuts(threaded rod joiners) to spread the load on the thread when pulling and I usually just use 1&4 plug holes.It is critical to keep the head straight while pulling it up and if someone has used enough chemiweld it may never come off!!.
Cheers
Andrew

alfagtv152 · April 28, 2009, 10:20:22 PM

I have one more solution if you really cant get it off but I hope you dont need it!.

alfagtv100 (Biggus) · April 29, 2009, 08:55:00 AM

Quote from: Choderboy on April 27, 2009, 10:39:36 PM
you should re-think the title of this post..

You could search the web for alternative suggestions.

alfagtv152 · April 30, 2009, 01:50:46 PM

Let me know if you want to see the last resort!!
Cheers
Andrew

Sheldon McIntosh · April 30, 2009, 04:38:05 PM

I'd be interested to see the last resort for if you can't get your head off.

Jekyll and Hyde · April 30, 2009, 07:11:42 PM

Quote from: alfagtv100 on April 29, 2009, 08:55:00 AM
You could search the web for alternative suggestions.

Surprisingly, googling that phrase doesn't result in particularly many obscene results.... Only three on the first page, and none for a couple of pages after.... Where is the love?

Quote from: alfagtv152 on April 30, 2009, 01:50:46 PM
Let me know if you want to see the last resort!!
Cheers
Andrew

Let me guess, it involves dangling the car from an engine crane by the head? I've heard of that being done before...

alfagtv152 · April 30, 2009, 07:18:42 PM

Hi Sheldon,
Its a loooong hole saw to go over the stud and cut away the material between the stud and the head,used a lot on Jags I am told!.
Cheers
Andrew

MD · April 30, 2009, 07:56:28 PM

Andrew,

A super stud saw for a tricky head job-the mind boggles !

On a more helpful note, here's my version of your set up that usually does the job. Admittedly, your design is superior because you can continue the lift once the headbolts are submerged. However with a combination of antiseize lubricants and the judicial use of the (dare I say it?) the rubber doctor, the head usually comes off.