I have a 1974 350 base engine.

It sat outside for a lot of years prior to finding its way to my home.

When I drained the oil I got about two quarts of oil out and about five gallons of water from the block. I didn't know water was a good block lubricant but hey, I learn something new every day.

I would like to take it apart and see if there is anything that can be salvaged from the block or its internals. I plan to throw the intake and the heads back to recycle the metal but would like to get in there and check it out.

Now I have taken apart four or five engines previously and have always scraped my knuckles getting the intake manifold off, nothing new there.

But this one is stubborn. I got all but the center four bolts off of the intake and there just isn't enough clearance to get the inside four off.

I have tried all the methods my friends have recommended including a really nice set of biting bolt head removal sockets.

I haven't tried heat yet.

I even thought about removing all the bolts from the heads and seeing if the heads and intake could be removed together.

Anyone else figured this one out and solved it?

I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance for any guidance you may provide to me and anyone else that might be following along.

David

 

A base 350 is a low value engine in good condition. This one is scrap. You won't be able to get cam, lifters out. Pistons will take SERIOUS hammering. Don't waste your time. 5 cents a pound...

 

So what you are saying here is you don't know how to remove those bolts either so rather than try it I would be better off just throwing the block away.
Not sure that answers my question really but maybe I wasn't clear in what I wanted to accomplish or maybe you didn't understand the question. In either case I would have already given it away if I wanted to take the lazy way out.

Anyone else?

David

 

Lots of good blocks around keep looking. I scored a 4 bolt main 350, with std bore for $275. its at the machine shop now, was dunked in the bath just waiting to get it magged to check for cracks.

 

My original post must have been misleading. I am not looking for a good block. I am just trying to remove four bolts from the center of the intake.
Tips, tricks, or methods that work is what I am seeking here folks. Not looking for why I shouldn't bother with this block.
Thank you.
David

 

A smoke wrench may be your only option at this point !

One of the mechanics that used to work with us would always seem to have an answer for a question like this !

Every week he would be on the tool trucks that came on property and would buy something from each one !

I'll ask on Monday and see if I get any suggestions!

 

I can tell you for sure you can't get both heads and intake off if they are still bolted together. I've tried it. Head to block dowels won't let you. You can get 1 head and the intake off together. I have done that before. Torch to bolt heads is quickest and easiest since you are trashing upper end any way. You still won't be able to get intake off but it will loosen up enough to take everything off together.

Steven

 

Thank you Steven. Do you mean use of a cutting torch to cut the bolt heads off? Just clarifying. Might be the best option to your point.
Thank you.
David

 

I appreciate the help Ray, thank you.
David

 

 

Angle grinder I have. Not sure if I can get it in the area either but I won't know until I give it a try. Thank you for the idea. David

 

Hi David, how ya doing. Hope all's well.

What about a Dremel with a metal cutting tool on it. I used one once to cut a stripped lug nut off my van. Worked great.

 

I do not understand your dilemna? When you say you took 4 center bolt out and you cannot get the other why not? You cannot get socket or wrench on them? How about a picture. Or are you saying they are so tight they won't turn. You can heat them up with torch and then spray with cold water to shrink. That has worked for me on stubborn bolts

 

if all else fails this is what I would try,agood sawsall blade to cut the heads of the bolts off.I don't think the manifold will come off because of the angles of the bolts. Then I would lift up the rear of the intake as much as possible (maybe a1/4 inch or so)and cut inbetween the manifold and head(as close as you can to the manifold as possible) then lift the frt of the manifold up and cut.If you leave a little meat on the bolts in the head weld a nut on each and remove. Make sure you use a big enough nut so you can get a good weld on there.

 

i agree the angle of the bolts will keep the manifold on
with the heads cut off.

 

In the beginning I would have tried some PB Blaster but now I believe a Dremel type tool with the small cut off wheels will work best. If you pursue this method a sizable quantity of cut off wheels will be needed I would guess.

 

Get a cheap *** combo wrench and grind for clearance and bend if necessary.

 

The bolt heads are too rotted to get a wrench on. Angle grinder to cut bolt heads. You will have to cut into the manifold a bit to cut the bolts. You may have some head bolts you hafta cut too. Then, when the intake is off and you see even the cam and lifters were under water for years you will see why I said don't waste your time...

 

One of these will make short work of the bolt heads, I had to use one to grind the heads off the through bolts that hold the transmission crossmember in place because a PO but them in the wrong way round when the body was off.

 

I would soak them in PB blaster, then heat them. IF that doesnt work torch the heads of the bolts as a last resort. I think those bolts go in at an angle and not straight down which may cause binding. pulling the cylinder heads and intake all at once might be easier if you can pry them past the aligning studs.

I like your new avatar. cool pic!!!