AdamMeh

Hey all,

Is there a recommended way to unbolt / remove heads? Meaning - should the head bolts be removed in reverse of the assembly torquing sequence, in the same order, or doesn't it really matter?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Adam

MelWff

seems to be various thoughts about that depending on whether the heads are aluminum and whether the head is being sent out anyway to be checked.

bluedawg

I don't believe there is, but one thing I've always done is put a layer of rags in the lifter valley so that if anything is dropped it dont go past that.

MotorHead

The last time I popped a head off it was a very expensive engine and I actually "untorqued" them in the same manner as installing them. Probably doesn't matter a bit, just being a bit ****

briankeery

Hope nothing too serious going on buddy.

Strokemyaxe

Reverse order is the logical way. If your OCD, then maybe you reverse order in increments. 1 turn each bolt, 2 turns each bolt, 3 turns... etc

This is only for crazy people though.

jnb5101

Don't remove all the bolts. Leave one on each end with a few threads engaged. You don't want the head to pop off and drop on your foot!

hugie82

I never seen anyone ever damage a head doing it the other way but I still un torque the heads from the outside bolts in. I can't say I do it exactly as the manual states but very close.

7T1vette

How you REMOVE head bolts makes no difference to the engine or the heads. How you install head bolts makes a BIG difference.

AdamMeh

Thanks for the responses. Wide range of preferences on the subject! And some practical safety advice

Brian - not sure bud. There has been an issue for awhile now, so the car's just been sitting. Time to tear in and start moving forward with it again.

Adam

dochorsepower

Don't get too excited about it! Just remove the bolts. There should also be two dowels that keep the head located and prevent it from slipping loose.

AdamMeh

No problem Doc. I've taken motors apart before, but have heard a few different ideas on how to remove heads, and thought I'd see what the opinions on here are. Varied for sure!

I have to say, jnb's response gave me a chuckle... I pictured it when I read it lol.

It's a cast iron 350 with cast iron heads, so no aluminum heads to deal with etc. Very basic street SBC.

Thanks again for all the thoughts!

Adam

usmilret

I would suggest de torquing those heads using a de torquing pattern sequence. It only takes a couple of minutes to do it. I have seen head bolts snap because someone did not use a de torquing pattern.

7t9l82

Use an impact gun.

vettezobsezzed

I once unbolted a head, that I had my hoisting chain attached too. When last bolt came out... Haha, dropped the engine, great times... Didn't matter, it was headed for the dump anyway.

cardo0

If your obsessive compulsive disorder requires a method then just bust the bolts loose in the reverse order they are torqued then speedwrench them out. But most machine shops will shave the head a couple of thou to get the surface flat when they recondition the head.

IMHO a set of iron stock heads to be refurbished will take the abuse in any order - yep the impact wrench would be the quickest. Like said cover the lifter valley would be more important.

Scottd

And have a dead blow hammer around. Its amazing how STUCK those heads can be, and prying away at an intake port with a screwdriver is not real advisable. Hitting the head with the dead blow hammer while trying to pry it off makes life easier.