The Ford Barn

Peyton · 10-03-2015, 11:13 PM

I would like to make my own head puller --- reference the type available from Model A suppliers and the Gord's type. I'm wondering what size angle iron would prove strong enough to resist the force required to pull the head without bending or if it would be better to try to locate steel plate stock similar to that used for the Gord type --- 1/2 inch. And, if so, what type of steel plate would be strong enough to not bend under the stress. It seems that constructing it with angle iron might be easier --- cutting and drilling wise.

I certainly do not want to attempt removal of the head again without a puller of some type. I could have lifted the car by the cylinder head the last time I removed it. Will never do it again without an effective tool! Need advise from you metal experts out there.

Peyton

Juggler · 10-04-2015, 04:50 PM

Check out the one my Dad built

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...=174983&page=2

Tom Wesenberg · 10-04-2015, 07:07 PM

I made a puller and used 1/2" or 9/16" steel plate. That's the way to go, even though the drilling will take some time.

Bruce Adams · 10-04-2015, 10:26 PM

How about purchasing a couple of eye bolts that screw into the spark plug holes and attach a chain?

RonC · 10-04-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Adams

How about purchasing a couple of eye bolts that screw into the spark plug holes and attach a chain?

A head puller puts pressure on the studs while pulling at the spark plug holes.

CarlG · 10-05-2015, 01:34 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Adams

How about purchasing a couple of eye bolts that screw into the spark plug holes and attach a chain?

I did this first and all it did was just lift up the whole car.

Bruce Adams · 10-05-2015, 05:36 AM

Can you screw the studs out using thin "Set Nuts" I believe they are called and available at ACE stores. I found one of my studs was at an angle and turned out to be easily removable after MUCH wasted time with other tricks trying to get the head off.

john in illinois · 10-05-2015, 08:26 AM

Peyton, Elrod on the HAMB has a tech article on this.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...d-head.218487/

John

Cape Codder · 10-05-2015, 03:50 PM

Peyton - I don't know if you are just wanting to build a tool (which I'm unable to help you with) but if the intent is to get the head off maybe you would like to consider this.
I just helped a friend remove his engine. Prior to taking it out we cranked it over, all
plugs installed, with the starter. Head separated from block just enough to become
loose.
Hope this helps!

Peyton · 10-05-2015, 11:17 PM

Thanks all. There are probably many ways to remove a head from a block but I came uncomfortably close to damaging the top of my block by carefully wedging the head loose with a thin, wide chisel.

I had installed my old good stock head with modern gasket on a newly rebuilt short-block. Then suffered a blown head gasket and had to remove the head 4-5k later. Wow! Won't do it again without some kind of "remover". I've got an idea about a fairly inexpensive way to make a head puller and will definitely post a photo of it when done. And again, thanks for the input.

Peyton

10-03-2015, 11:13 PM	#1
Peyton Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jacksonville Fl Posts: 151	Head Puller I would like to make my own head puller --- reference the type available from Model A suppliers and the Gord's type. I'm wondering what size angle iron would prove strong enough to resist the force required to pull the head without bending or if it would be better to try to locate steel plate stock similar to that used for the Gord type --- 1/2 inch. And, if so, what type of steel plate would be strong enough to not bend under the stress. It seems that constructing it with angle iron might be easier --- cutting and drilling wise. I certainly do not want to attempt removal of the head again without a puller of some type. I could have lifted the car by the cylinder head the last time I removed it. Will never do it again without an effective tool! Need advise from you metal experts out there. Peyton

10-04-2015, 04:50 PM	#2
Juggler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Phoenix AZ/Bath UK Posts: 483	Re: Head Puller Check out the one my Dad built https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...=174983&page=2

10-04-2015, 07:07 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Head Puller I made a puller and used 1/2" or 9/16" steel plate. That's the way to go, even though the drilling will take some time.

10-04-2015, 10:26 PM	#4
Bruce Adams Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northport, NY Posts: 1,597	Re: Head Puller How about purchasing a couple of eye bolts that screw into the spark plug holes and attach a chain?

10-05-2015, 05:36 AM	#7
Bruce Adams Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northport, NY Posts: 1,597	Re: Head Puller Can you screw the studs out using thin "Set Nuts" I believe they are called and available at ACE stores. I found one of my studs was at an angle and turned out to be easily removable after MUCH wasted time with other tricks trying to get the head off.

10-05-2015, 08:26 AM	#8
john in illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,220	Re: Head Puller Peyton, Elrod on the HAMB has a tech article on this. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...d-head.218487/ John

10-05-2015, 03:50 PM	#9
Cape Codder Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,337	Re: Head Puller Peyton - I don't know if you are just wanting to build a tool (which I'm unable to help you with) but if the intent is to get the head off maybe you would like to consider this. I just helped a friend remove his engine. Prior to taking it out we cranked it over, all plugs installed, with the starter. Head separated from block just enough to become loose. Hope this helps!

10-05-2015, 11:17 PM	#10
Peyton Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jacksonville Fl Posts: 151	Re: Head Puller Thanks all. There are probably many ways to remove a head from a block but I came uncomfortably close to damaging the top of my block by carefully wedging the head loose with a thin, wide chisel. I had installed my old good stock head with modern gasket on a newly rebuilt short-block. Then suffered a blown head gasket and had to remove the head 4-5k later. Wow! Won't do it again without some kind of "remover". I've got an idea about a fairly inexpensive way to make a head puller and will definitely post a photo of it when done. And again, thanks for the input. Peyton