"Tricks" for pulling a "stuck" head off a 500

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Before I get out the 9 pound hammer, is there has any fool proof methods for pulling a head off a 500 that seems welded on?  Yes, all the bolts are off, the intake and exhaust manifolds are off, and I was the one to torque the head down a few years back. Pulling the heads to do the valves and replace the valve seals.
Greg Surfas

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I use a large screw driver, and a hammer.

Firstly, insert a head bolt loosely in one of the bolt holes.

Place the tip of the screw driver between the top inside front corner of the head and the block, and gently tap the end with the hammer to act as a wedge to lever it off the block.   The bolt stops the head from falling off if the loosening goes with a rush.

Bruce.

PS.   levering in that area won't damage anything if greater force is necessary.   If there is any bruising of the area, it is nowhere near any sensitive gasket-sealing area.

[TJ Hopland]

I can second Bruce's tip of putting a couple head bolts back in loose.   I had a stubborn one pop and did a lot of damage to the concrete floor.   Didn't do the head any good either. 

I don't remember where they were but I seem to recall there is at least one spot where the head hangs past the block slightly.  I only remember one place per head so it was just a spot to get started,  the other side or end still had to be pried from the valley side I think.   I remember using something like 3/4" round stock and a BFH. 

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

The loose bolt thing is a natural.  I also have a couple of head bolts with the heads cut off to act as guides.  Bruce, are you talking about the intersection of the head and the front China Rail?
Greg Surfas

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Yes.   Place the "wedge" in line with the rail, and hit it.

Bruce.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

That's where I have been trying.  Perhaps I am just not enthusiastic enough.  Try again in the AM.
Greg Surfas

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Hit as hard as it takes to get the "wedge" in between the two parts.

I use a Screw Driver with a blade that is slightly thinner than the thickness of the compressed gasket.

Bruce.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Guess what?  Remember I said I had all the head bolts out? Welllllll, that reminds me not to work on projects when IO am tired and it is dark outside.  Removed the last bolt and the head just lifted off.  Never had one stuck like that.  I must be getting old. (Better than the alternatives).
Thanks guys
Greg Surfas

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

That's ok Greg.
Just delete the whole post and nobody will know......
Jeff

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Geez, can't remove this post.    Too much fun.

Bruce.

PS.   Won't be the last time that it happens to anyone.

[INTMD8]

Guess what?  Remember I said I had all the head bolts out? Welllllll, that reminds me not to work on projects when IO am tired and it is dark outside.  Removed the last bolt and the head just lifted off.  Never had one stuck like that.  I must be getting old. (Better than the alternatives).
Thanks guys
Greg Surfas

Haha, well if it makes you feel any better I was going to suggest checking this as I've done the same. 

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Jeff,
Those that forget the past (mistakes) are doomed to repeat it.
Greg Surfas

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Jeff,
Those that forget the past (mistakes) are doomed to repeat it.
Greg Surfas

Exactly!!
Jeff

[walt chomosh #23510]

When Greg said he had a "stuck" head, I worked at American Airlines in the engine shop early in my career so my mind immediately went to using a leather hammer. They are heavy duty with a replaceable leather pad on each side. They will give the object that it is directed at quite a jar but won't cause damage. (cylinder head would be perfect) Can load a pic if anyone is interested.....walt...tulsa,ok

[76eldo]

Greg,

It only gets worse the older you get.

Brian

[gary griffin]

I always wondered if loosening the head bolts a turn or two and cranking the engine would pop them loose but have never tried it.  Have any of you tried it??

[35-709]

I have heard of it being done but have never seen it.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

I believe it was used on flat head motors.  With a Cad, if you pull all the head bolts, you have already removed the rocker arms and thus disconnected the valve action which means you essentially only have one cylinder with a full stroke of air in it. the others would essentially be trying to pull the head down.  On a flat head , or with a motor you still have valve action you COULD get an even across the bank pressure pulse.
Greg Surfas

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Just pulled the other side. Amazingly easy with all the bolts out.
Greg Surfas

[76 cadillac bob]

I love it, so easy now, and working when tired will trip us up every time. Glad nothing sheared off, life is good once again. I will remember that with my 500.