Guest Mike Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Okay... I DID search for this using “stuck head”, “stuck heads”, “pry head”, “pry heads”, “remove head”, “remove heads”, “removal head”, and “removal heads”. I found two threads dealing with head removal but neither answered my query. I know this is a "stoopid" question but it's been a quarter century since I've had an engine apart and I've forgotten this. GIVEN: Iron block SBC 350 with aluminum heads. All bolts, brackets, and headers removed... NO bolts or brackets remain. I've tried brute force (hands only) and a small pry bar to (gently) pry at the intake ports. QUESTION: How do I safely separate the heads from the block? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 try using a preety good size rubber malid and tap each side to break loose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jim Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 First make sure all the head bolts are removed as you might have missed one. Put a long pry bar in an intake port and pull away from the block and the head should come loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 many guys miss those two end bolts that are well down in the oil return grouve (#14 and #17) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Thanks guys. All the bolts are definitely out and all brackets are off. I'll try the rubber mallet, then a bit harder with the pry bar. I just don't want to damage the heads... they're aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eec564 Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 To keep from damnageing the heads if you have to pry really hard, put something in between the pry bar and the head. A strip of wood or rubber works good, such as a short piece of rubber exaust hanger. Hitting the heads with a rubber mallet from various directions can help break loose the head gasket. Remember, there are alignment pins that keep the head from actually sliding off when loose, so the direction you're looking for is up. You can also try prying with a piece of wood, it shouldn't damage what you're prying on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuntry Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I had this problem a couple weeks ago with a 454. I ended using a small putty knife, and GENTLY tapping it with a hammer between the block and head. Once the seal was broken it was no problem seperating the heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Thanks!! If the rubber mallet fails, I'll try again with the pry bar using a piece of rubber hose as an insulator. To keep from damnageing the heads if you have to pry really hard, put something in between the pry bar and the head. A strip of wood or rubber works good, such as a short piece of rubber exaust hanger. Hitting the heads with a rubber mallet from various directions can help break loose the head gasket. Remember, there are alignment pins that keep the head from actually sliding off when loose, so the direction you're looking for is up. You can also try prying with a piece of wood, it shouldn't damage what you're prying on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Thanks kuntry. I've been considering this but my concern is marring the aluminum head. If all else fails, I'll try this making sure the sharp edge is facing the iron block... away from the head. I had this problem a couple weeks ago with a 454. I ended using a small putty knife, and GENTLY tapping it with a hammer between the block and head. Once the seal was broken it was no problem seperating the heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuntry Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Try to get between the block and head gasket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeeboost Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I really think you should be fine with the mallet. Just give it a few good whacks. But yeah, I made that mistake once with forgetting about the lower right head bolt. The head came off a lot easier when I removed it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Absolutely!! Try to get between the block and head gasket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Maybe I shouldn't use Super Glue as a sealer next time... ...just kidding!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 the large plastic mallet & CAREFULLY smack the CRAP out of the end of the head idea works, and if you look carefully theres a small area DESIGNED for a prybar tip on some head castings but I would be VERY carefull about scratching the machined surfaces Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jap tin Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 pull out the spark plug on #4, pour in half a cup of nitromethane, reinstall the plug . make sure the rocker arms are off and hit the starter. Do the same for #5 and both heads will come off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 As it turms out, my tool just wasn't big enough for the job. Where have I heard that before?? Anyway, when all else fails... buy a BIGGER mallet. I bought the biggest, meanest rubber mallet I could find and smacked the S#IT out of them!! They came loose after the first smack:mrgreen: THANKS GUYS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 Well... no S#IT:eek: pull out the spark plug on #4, pour in half a cup of nitromethane, reinstall the plug . make sure the rocker arms are off and hit the starter. Do the same for #5 and both heads will come off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbk240z Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 pull out the spark plug on #4, pour in half a cup of nitromethane, reinstall the plug . make sure the rocker arms are off and hit the starter. Do the same for #5 and both heads will come off. HAHAHAHAHA!!! Ur too funny! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eec564 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 I've always wanted to see 25lb aluminum heads flying through the air! pull out the spark plug on #4, pour in half a cup of nitromethane, reinstall the plug . make sure the rocker arms are off and hit the starter. Do the same for #5 and both heads will come off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 Heh, heh... I sent jap tin an email telling him I DID this:wink: I said it blew the heads off and started a fired in my engine bay. "What did I do wrong?!?", I wrote:eek: Heh, heh... I wonder what he thought when he read it:confused2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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