Head pulling odd questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 238
Likes: 30
From: Dallas TX
Head pulling odd questions
Guys,
I'm pulling the old heads off the 427 and have a few odd questions.
First, my radiator doesn't have drain **** or plug, so I'm trying to drain the coolant by breaking the bottom hose at the radiator. I've removed about 2.5 gallons. What is the coolant capacity?
When i removed the lower head bolts, about a pint of coolant came out the head bolt hole.??? Normal? Or do I not have enough coolant out of the system?
Suggestion to break the head loose from the block?
Thanks!
I'm pulling the old heads off the 427 and have a few odd questions.
First, my radiator doesn't have drain **** or plug, so I'm trying to drain the coolant by breaking the bottom hose at the radiator. I've removed about 2.5 gallons. What is the coolant capacity?
When i removed the lower head bolts, about a pint of coolant came out the head bolt hole.??? Normal? Or do I not have enough coolant out of the system?
Suggestion to break the head loose from the block?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Guys,
I'm pulling the old heads off the 427 and have a few odd questions.
First, my radiator doesn't have drain **** or plug, so I'm trying to drain the coolant by breaking the bottom hose at the radiator. I've removed about 2.5 gallons. What is the coolant capacity?
When i removed the lower head bolts, about a pint of coolant came out the head bolt hole.??? Normal? Or do I not have enough coolant out of the system?
Suggestion to break the head loose from the block?
Thanks!
I'm pulling the old heads off the 427 and have a few odd questions.
First, my radiator doesn't have drain **** or plug, so I'm trying to drain the coolant by breaking the bottom hose at the radiator. I've removed about 2.5 gallons. What is the coolant capacity?
When i removed the lower head bolts, about a pint of coolant came out the head bolt hole.??? Normal? Or do I not have enough coolant out of the system?
Suggestion to break the head loose from the block?
Thanks!
There are 1/4" NPT block drains in the center of the block on each side just above the oil pan rail. Pull those 2 plugs out and almost all of the coolant will drain out. About 4 gallons or so.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Big blocks, I think like small blocks, have coolant drain plugs on the sides of the block, just above the oil pan. Pull those out and drain all the coolant.
To pry the heads loose after you unbolt them, stick a breaker bar in an intake port and pry it off. Make sure you have ALL the head bolts out.
To pry the heads loose after you unbolt them, stick a breaker bar in an intake port and pry it off. Make sure you have ALL the head bolts out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
When I remove my heads the drain plugs on the block are blocked by the stock wire loom brackets. So I don't pull them.
After draining the rad and block via the bottom radiator hose you can take out one of the lower head bolts and any remaining water above that level will drain out that bolt hole. Then the rest of them should be water free.
If you want to drain the rest then you can using the block plug, if it's not rusted in too hard.
After draining the rad and block via the bottom radiator hose you can take out one of the lower head bolts and any remaining water above that level will drain out that bolt hole. Then the rest of them should be water free.
If you want to drain the rest then you can using the block plug, if it's not rusted in too hard.
Last edited by REELAV8R; Jan 16, 2016 at 06:10 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
When working alone, I like to put a couple of threaded dowels in end bolt locations before I pry the head loose. With no bolts (or dowels) in the head, pry a bit too much and the head takes a tumble. 
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jan 17, 2016 at 01:40 AM.
