Removing Heads

[FridayGt]

Anyone have any suggestions for getting the heads off the engine with exhhaust headers? I've been having a hell of a time getting the right angle I need to get a breaker bar in to remove the bolts under the exhaust ports with these headers in the way on my '72 runner. My tools and experience are pretty limited, but I'm looking forward to any advice or tips anyone has.

 

[Moparmatt72]

Just remove the headers, make it easier on yourself, trust me I have a 72 Satellite. Keeping the headers on is just adding unneeded stree

 

[Sublime440]

I've never heard of anyone removing heads with the headers still attached. If they're stock heads (big block?) drain as much coolant as you can first then remove the headers.

 

[Pistol Pete]

And leave one or two bolts (loosely) attached on the top. You'll most likely need to place a pry bar in one of the ports to break the head free from the gasket. When you do, the bolts you left in will keep the head from falling.

 

[detmatt1]

And leave one or two bolts (loosely) attached on the top. You'll most likely need to place a pry bar in one of the ports to break the head free from the gasket. When you do, the bolts you left in will keep the head from falling.

You will consider that little bit of info priceless at that moment!
Hopefully those weren't the headers that couldn't be installed any other way but attached to the engine and installed along with the k-frame from the bottom side. Really just kidding about that, hope it goes well!

 

[67 B-body]

Also note that some of the header installations can only be accomplished by raising one side of the engine after removing the motor mount bolts. So with this being said, it is possible that the engine will require jacking up one side at a time to remove the header as well...... Then you'll have plenty of room to get those heads out.

 

[FridayGt]

Just remove the headers, make it easier on yourself, trust me I have a 72 Satellite. Keeping the headers on is just adding unneeded stree

I've never heard of anyone removing heads with the headers still attached. If they're stock heads (big block?) drain as much coolant as you can first then remove the headers.

Not trying to remove it with the headers still on, they're unbolted, but unable to be removed completely from the engine bay. They were put in place before the shop dropped the new engine into place.

And leave one or two bolts (loosely) attached on the top. You'll most likely need to place a pry bar in one of the ports to break the head free from the gasket. When you do, the bolts you left in will keep the head from falling.

Thanks for that note. If I hadn't read this, I imagine my heads would have taken a dive... It's seems it's the simplest things you never think of until you have the experience to know you have to.

You will consider that little bit of info priceless at that moment!
Hopefully those weren't the headers that couldn't be installed any other way but attached to the engine and installed along with the k-frame from the bottom side. Really just kidding about that, hope it goes well!

Lol, I think those are my headers! They required a bit of "shaping" with a hammer to get them to fit comfortably around the steering column and starter. As it stands, they're unbolted and wiggling, but not going anywhere significantly.

Also note that some of the header installations can only be accomplished by raising one side of the engine after removing the motor mount bolts. So with this being said, it is possible that the engine will require jacking up one side at a time to remove the header as well...... Then you'll have plenty of room to get those heads out.

WOOT! Hadn't thought about that! I'll get rid of the chain and unbolt one mount at a time and see if I can jack the engine up one side at a time to get them out.