77crewcab
1/2 ton status
Having trouble removing pass head on 454 in truck. I have everything disconnected, all bolts(16) out etc just can't get head loose. Are there any tips to getting it loose or am I just missing something.
CK5
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Tips for removing stubborn head?
- Thread starter 77crewcab
- Start date
zeroz400
1/2 ton status
Get a rubber mallet and bang it on front to back, side to side all over the place while pulling up on it. If you cant fix it with the hammer, you need a bigger hammer.
unclematty
1/2 ton status
I always strategically place a prystick in one of the exhaust ports and then pry always comes right off! 
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
I've tried both of those but still won't move. I'll go back out after getting some lunch and something cold to help the headache. Don't ya love it when someone walks up real quiet and starts talking while your head is under the bumper and scares the bejesus out of you.
unclematty
1/2 ton status
ya better double check and make sure that all brackets and ALL the head bolts are out (don't ask) I'll just say it was really expensive to fix ! 
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
Nothing left attached to it just stuck. I have removed all 16 bolts alt and bracket intake exhaust man pushrods just cant get the head to budge.
unclematty
1/2 ton status
if your absolutly sure everything is unattached, then grab your Bertha bar give that sucker what for!
Roz
1/2 ton status
beat it like it owes u money. pry too. got a crane? cherry picker?
Robert79K5
1/2 ton status
put a few bolts back in but leave them loose.
Then crank the engine over a few times. The compression from the engine should push it up off of the block.
We do this sometimes with our old diesel tractors.
Then crank the engine over a few times. The compression from the engine should push it up off of the block.
We do this sometimes with our old diesel tractors.
R72K5
Banned
it is stuck on the dowel pins, you need to MAKE it come off
a big bar, or crank it over
yep
a big bar, or crank it over
yep
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
Well I gave up for today it started to rain and I am beat. I'll work more tomorrow. I only have a small rubber mallet, may have to go buy a 5 or 10 lbs deadblow hammer. I may have to try to compression trick. Don't have access to a cherry picker right now and am having to do the work in the parking lot of my apartment. Any more ideas, keep em coming I am stumped.
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
Any specific bolts to put back in or just any? 4 or so or what?
Roz
1/2 ton status
use some spare ones grade 3 or higer just in case so dont bust em to pull. if compression way use the ones u just pulled out, leave about 1/4 so can come up a little
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
Well tried to compression trick--nothing, 5lbs dead blow--nothing, when I try to pry up on using the exhaust portts-- the engine tilts very slightly but no movement of the head. What else can I do? I am afraid of breaking something and know not to try to pry between the head and block mating surface. I'm just at a loss as to why it wont move at all?
Roz
1/2 ton status
are u SHURE u got all the bolts? sorry that has worked for everything ive seen.
use buddys truck,hook a chain on it and floor it
use buddys truck,hook a chain on it and floor it
I'm sorry but I have to ask again... are you sure al the bolts are out? Maybe recount the bolts you've removed? I know you've probably done this 10 times but it just seems like it should have let go by now.
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
I have removed 16bolts thats how many are listed in the haynes book. Are there supposed to be more?
No, 16 is the magic number... just had to ask.
77crewcab
1/2 ton status
Well I went to check just to make sure I have 16 ( 12 long and 4 short) maybe I am just being too gentle just that everything else is coming apart with no problems, didn't even break and manifold bolts they came out just fine as did all the head bolts. I just cant seem to break it free. Thought the compression tip should work but nothing. I used the 3 top bolts left about 1/4 " out, tried with and with out the bolts to no avail. Even tried using a floor jack layed on the frame rail and lifting up on the pry bar in the exhaust port thinking I just couldn't get enough leverage and no movement. Though I didn't push it to much as I wasn't sure how muc force it should take and didn't want to risk messing up the head. I'm thinking a cherry picker would break it free but don't have one here and couldn't use it at my apartment anyway.
