Heads stuck on engine - need help!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 110
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From: Chicago IL
Heads stuck on engine - need help!
We are taking apart a 1992 Corvette LT1. Aluminum heads and Iron block. I cannot get the heads off easily. We pulled all of the bolts, including the 4 bolts by the exhaust manifold. These heads have been on here for 12 years and 140,000 miles, but they seem to be stuck! Rubber hammer - nothing. Small hammer and a block of wood - nothing. Big hammer and a block of wood - nothing. :mad
Any hints here? Are we missing something? Are there any dowels between the head and the block that I need to be concerned about? I have never seen a head that was stuck on like this. I am considering using compressed air inside the cylinders to push the head up, or maybe and engine lift to a bolt on the front of the head. Thoughts???
Thanks!
Steve
Any hints here? Are we missing something? Are there any dowels between the head and the block that I need to be concerned about? I have never seen a head that was stuck on like this. I am considering using compressed air inside the cylinders to push the head up, or maybe and engine lift to a bolt on the front of the head. Thoughts???
Thanks!
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (Stephen L)
I know you've probably checked, but I'd check again for a "spare" head bolt. I had to remove the driver's head from my '94 Z-28's LT-1, and had a corner bolt that was hiding from me. Once I got that one out it popped right off.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 366
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From: Antioch, CA
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (STRONGBOW)
He's joking! Just wanted to save Strongbow a lawsuit or two!!! :cheers:
pour a half can of black power down the sparkplug hole reinstall the plug and wire, try to start it , head will come right off .
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 110
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From: Chicago IL
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (STRONGBOW)
I actually kind of like strongbow's idea. The only problem is that most of the cylinders have really low compression. Most of the oil or gunpowder would fall through the holes in the piston before I could reach the key. One person asked me if an M80 would fit through the plug hole.
Thanks for the info on the dowels. Most of my whacking has been sideways.
We did find the coolant crossover on the back.
I will look at it again when I get home and check for any hidden bolts.
Steve
Thanks for the info on the dowels. Most of my whacking has been sideways.
We did find the coolant crossover on the back.
I will look at it again when I get home and check for any hidden bolts.
Steve
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (Stephen L)
Also, if you have a new set of similar heads, look at them and count the holes, this may help you locate the hidden bolt. My 50 Ford's water pumps (yes, it has 2) have a bolt INSIDE the discharge pipe that can only be accessed by removing the hose. FORD :crazy:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
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From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (Stephen L)
Try installing the plugs and just turning the engine over by hand, you may have enough compression to pop the head loose. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 0
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (STRONGBOW)
pour a half can of black power down the sparkplug hole reinstall the plug and wire, try to start it , head will come right off .
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help!
After a little searching we found not one, but two hidden bolts. You cannot see them from the top, we needed a little mirror. They are on the corner of each head directly under the exhaust ports.
Thanks for your input and "creative" suggestions!
Thanks for your input and "creative" suggestions!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Heads stuck on engine - need help! (Stephen L)
:yesnod: :thumbs:
That was my guess! Thanks for letting us know what you found.
Have a good one, and good luck getting her back together,
Mike
That was my guess! Thanks for letting us know what you found.
Have a good one, and good luck getting her back together,
Mike
