Head will not separate from block

[ChrisD]

I started stripping down the engine last weekend. I am following the procedure in the manual. Everything was going well until I got to removing the head. I can't seem to get the head to separate from the block. The manual recommends installing hooks into the spark plug holes to asset with lifting.

Right now I have the head under tension and in am soaking the studs with penetrating oil daily hopping it will finally separate.

Any by run into this before? Suggestions? I searched but did not find any threads.

[PeterL]

Have you tried hitting it with a dead blow hammer?� I had to whack mine a handful of times pretty roughly to get it to separate.

[athawk11]

Have you tried hitting it with a dead blow hammer?� I had to whack mine a handful of times pretty roughly to get it to separate.

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Also, make some wood wedges.� Once separated a bit, slip in the wedges and continue to hammer the wedges inward.� Be careful not to damage any valve heads that are sticking up.

[SteveW]

I had a terrible time with mine as it had set in a field for a year or better with the center of hood rusted. I did all methods soak/wedges dead blow and even made a piece of rigid with 2 jacks on front and back to get lift. Absolutely nothing. I finally got all the head bolts out but 4 and managed to get some separation and last resort was wrenched off the bolts then it was finally removed. The water had rusted the portion of the swell where the bolt sets on the block and it was no way going to come off. I hope you don't have to resort to that. I will say that as far as rust breakers go nothing beats a product called Kroil from Kano Labs and my opinion if it won't loosen it then it can't be loosened.

[scoutpilot]

Go down to your local home supply store and pick up a package of wood wedge shims and/or a pair of PLASTIC log splitters. You will need to start at a corner of the head/block with a gasket removal tool to get a gap going from which you can work out with the evenly spaced shims, splitters and a hammer. As Mr. Hawkridge said, use caution around the valves.

[CJPilot]

Buy a stud remover that fits the head studs.� Remove the studs. The head� should come off with a little persuasion. You will ruin the studs but they should be replaced anyway.

The fist time I removed a head without taking the studs out it took a few days.� The last time I took the studs out and had the head off in a few minutes.

[ChrisD]

Guys, thanks

I am going to the store to get me a dead blow hammer, shims, plastic wedges, and kroll.

Sounds like I need to get more aggressive with it. I will let you know how it goes this weekend.