So I'm re-doing my head gasket because I think it's blown. I am at the point where the cylinder head should be able to be lifted off the block. However, it seems to be stuck on the block completely. I'm pretty sure this is normal since it's probably melded with the head gasket a little bit, but any suggestions for getting the head loose?

Do you have Arp's in there? They can sometimes be a b***h to pull through. Are you trying to pull the head with the intake and exhaust mani on? That can also feel like she doesn't want to come. You did pull out 10 bolts, yes? Kind of silly, but you never know.

I usually pull them with the intake on, so I suppose I get some leverage from that. Haven't had this problem before but if she really is "undone" then a hard rubber mallet as a dead blow (in a safe spot. Please don't just start wailing away) will help you. If they are arps, then you may need to do some wiggling.

MB

when i pulled the head off one, the bracket on the back from the intake mani to block was holding it on. make sure thats off if your intake is still on!

I always use a screw driver to break the seal on the corner of the head and some strength to pull it off.

Originally posted by Remy
I always use a screw driver to break the seal on the corner of the head and some strength to pull it off.

Be REAL careful if anyone tries this. Unless you plan on having the head decked...
Just do as Mark said and tap around the outside with a rubber mallet.

10 lb sledge did the trick for me :)

Originally posted by eclipzGST

Originally posted by Remy I always use a screw driver to break the seal on the corner of the head and some strength to pull it off.

Be REAL careful if anyone tries this. Unless you plan on having the head decked... Just do as Mark said and tap around the outside with a rubber mallet.

My statement was actually a joke. Thanks for making that clear for peeps. I use a mallett as Mark stated. Tap around the head until it breaks free.



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GT35 and stuff.
Lucky Number 6 ...

Ok guys, that bracket on the back is completely off, and this head STILL wont come off. It feels completely free on the passenger's side, but it only wants to come about an inch off the block on the drivers side. Any ideas??

check to see if a ground strap is holding it down

Ok, you're making me work here. You DID take off the timing belt, right? J/K.

Um...there is some timing belt cover sheetmetal that could still be connected on that side that might allow you to pull up on the block a little. The little 10mm on the side. How about transistor harness still plugged in? fuel rail? Have you taken off the exhaust mani? If you are able to lift up about an inch, you are past the alignment dowels. You didn't drop a valve into a piston right? Eh, a little more levity :shrug
Those are some things off the top of my head (no pun intended)

MB

Originally posted by burntheblobs
Ok guys, that bracket on the back is completely off, and this head STILL wont come off. It feels completely free on the passenger's side, but it only wants to come about an inch off the block on the drivers side. Any ideas??

Ok, NOW you can use a screwdriver. :P Get a big flathead, put a rag over the end and work your way around TURNING it (NOT prying).
Edit: Are you SURE nothing is still attached??? Use a small mirror to look at the backside.

Originally posted by eclipzGST

Originally posted by burntheblobs Ok guys, that bracket on the back is completely off, and this head STILL wont come off. It feels completely free on the passenger's side, but it only wants to come about an inch off the block on the drivers side. Any ideas??

Ok, NOW you can use a screwdriver. :P Get a big flathead, put a rag over the end and work your way around TURNING it (NOT prying). Edit: Are you SURE nothing is still attached??? Use a small mirror to look at the backside.

The head itself is free from the block, but something is still holding it on. I'm gonna try a mirror behind the intake manifold tomorrow to see if i missed anything. The snag really feels like its coming from exhaust manifold/drivers side corner of the head, which is why I'm really lost. There isn't much there that needs to be undone to get the head off in the first place!

It could be that the HG is stuck to the block in one place and stuck to the head in another and as you try to lift it, it's bending and snagging on the studs. If you can get someone to help you, have them look in between while you lift.

do you have a 2g/evo III exhaust manifold on a 1g head? if so the corner of the manifold might be hitting your power steering bracket. double check that situation.

put some heat on it :)

Originally posted by orzech
do you have a 2g/evo III exhaust manifold on a 1g head? if so the corner of the manifold might be hitting your power steering bracket. double check that situation.

I do indeed have a 2g manifold on a 1g head. I'll take a look at this, thank you.

Did you remove all the studs and it is still stuck? Or are these ARP's and you just removed the nuts and washers?

It's the exhaust manifold and furthers stud that is catching on the engine mount.

Not only was the exhaust manifold hitting the engine mount, but the furthest stud was hitting it too. I had to take that guy out. Cylinder head is officially out, and headgasket looks unnofficially fine. Of course lol.

check the intake mani bracket