Head replacement problems
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 10
Head replacement problems
Getting ready to replace my stock heads with aluminum. Biggest concern is the removal of the head bolts. Any info or suggestions on possible problems and solutions and helpful aids would be appreciated. Engine is L-82 in 78 Pace Car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 787
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Actually removing the head bolts isn't too difficult but you should drain all the coolant from the engine before you do. You have to remove the exhaust manifolds first so that gives you access to the drain plug on each side of the block, just above the oil pan. Pull those out. Otherwise, coolant will drain into your cylinders when you pull each head.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
Actually removing the head bolts isn't too difficult but you should drain all the coolant from the engine before you do. You have to remove the exhaust manifolds first so that gives you access to the drain plug on each side of the block, just above the oil pan. Pull those out. Otherwise, coolant will drain into your cylinders when you pull each head.
DO MA NEU!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 4
From: Philadelphia Pennsylvania
I just did this. I just followed the spiral bolt pattern unscrewing each 1/4 turn at a time until they were loose enough to unscrew by hand. It was tedious but not difficult. The biggest problem was the clearance near the heater core, it was really hard to get in there. I needed an assortment of ratchet extension sizes and a u-joint extension to get at them all.
Once all bolts were very loose I pulled one of the lowest ones out first to let the coolant drain. Be careful it doesn't drain into your open exhaust collector!
Once all bolts were very loose I pulled one of the lowest ones out first to let the coolant drain. Be careful it doesn't drain into your open exhaust collector!
