Pulling the head.

[Franchise_24]

I need to take the head off on my Leatherback. I have everything taken apart, so is there a trick to getting the head lose to start to lift it off? I didn't want to get too rough with it, or hurt the engine block or anything. Thanks.

[Purdy Swoft]

Try cranking the engine. Sometimes compression helps.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

There was a long, recent, discussion about this.
Bill W.

[[email protected]]

You are going to trash this head gasket anyway so time to get friendly with PB Blaster on the studs, your putty knives, and a big hammer. If you are careful you will not scratch the block surface. Don't go in deep enough to hit any valves and go around and around the edge of the head with the putty knives. If it is still stuck and stubborn, then you can go up in size to screwdrivers, wooden wedges, etc. .

[CarlG]

Bill Stipe makes this handy dandy head puller that is available from most parts vendors as well. It works like a charm.

[rocket1]

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I can tell you this,if the head is stuck fast it will support the complete weight of the front of the car without budging,I just went through this! I had eye hooks in 2 sparkplug holes.

[Franchise_24]

Got it off. Some pry bars helped. Thanks!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by rocket1

I can tell you this,if the head is stuck fast it will support the complete weight of the front of the car without budging,I just went through this! I had eye hooks in 2 sparkplug holes.

"hang it" by the head and soak the studs. you can dam around the studs to hold more fluid. Use wooden shims and drive them into the gasket as well.

[700rpm]

Be careful prying with anything. You can damage your block and head.

[Jdubwikk]

I have found that if you loosen the head bolts about two threads and hit the starter with the spark plugs installed the head will "pop" up and be a piece of cake to remove. This is actually a tip in Les Andrews book and it works like a champ. Good luck.

[Franchise_24]

Took the head to the machine shop and it has a crack in it by the water inlet area. You don't really fix something like that do you? Just replace it?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Franchise_24

Took the head to the machine shop and it has a crack in it by the water inlet area. You don't really fix something like that do you? Just replace it?

Good time to install the Snyder's 5.5 head.

I wouldn't try to weld a stock head.

[Franchise_24]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Good time to install the Snyder's 5.5 head.

I wouldn't try to weld a stock head.

That's what I figured too. Thanks Tom. What do you notice different on the 5.5 head compared to a stock head?

[Tom Wesenberg]

I'm still using the stock head, but picked up a 5.5 head from Bert's in Denver when I stopped there. The 5.5 head should give a noticable improvement in horsepower, and it should run more efficiently, so you get better fuel economy and lower operating temp.

[Synchro909]

I'm with Tom. You will mostly notice better pulling power at lower RPM which makes the car more pleasant to drive. Yes, even more grunt - the Model A is notorious for having lots but this head will give you more and is just about a "must have" if you run an overdrive.

[Bob Bidonde]

I have tried running engines with head nuts off, and not once did this ever loosen a stuck cylinder head.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

I have tried running engines with head nuts off, and not once did this ever loosen a stuck cylinder head.

The same for me.

[Purdy Swoft]

Sometimes it helps,sometimes it doesn't. It would be my first try before driving wedges and running the risk of breaking something.