Getting those heads off!!
Before I could get the heads off I had to remove linkages etc. It was messy
work getting the Crankcase breather and valley cover off. This kind of work is
best done with a nice pair of rubber or leather gloves. I prefer leather gloves
for most heavy automotive work because they also provide some impact and cut protection.
Many restores like rubber surgical gloves, but I find that they are difficult
to use.
Next the Valve covers and rocker arms came off, Nothing difficult. The
Head bolts and exhaust manifold bolts usually are extremely tight, so a breaker
bar or carefully used Air impact wrench are a must for these bolts. When ever
using extreme force, make sure you have a good tight fit on the head, and try
heat if the nut doesn't give with the first couple of tries. A broken off head
bolt, can pretty much ruin a block if it is in the wrong place.
And the heads are off!! No Big deal. The hardest part was lifting
the heads off the block. Each Head weighs about 50 pounds. Make sure you
remember to get as much water out of the water jacket as possible, before
pulling the heads. Any Water left should be drained out as soon as the heads
are off, to avoid unnecessary water getting in the cylinders. I sprayed
WD40 in each cylinder and put rags in each cylinder stop any dirt or rust
from collecting.
Lots of carbon buildup on the piston tops. This car was burning about 2
quarts per tank of gas, so it isn't a surprise. Notice that the exhaust manifolds
are still on at this point. I had to cut the exhaust bolts off to get them out.
Glad it wasn't the head bolts.
Getting the heads stripped
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Author: Bill McKenna
email bill@mckennasgarage.com