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
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. >:D
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.
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.
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
Yes. Place the "wedge" in line with the rail, and hit it.
Bruce. >:D
That's where I have been trying. Perhaps I am just not enthusiastic enough. Try again in the AM.
Greg Surfas
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. >:D
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
That's ok Greg.
Just delete the whole post and nobody will know......
Jeff
Geez, can't remove this post. ;) Too much fun.
Bruce. >:D
PS. Won't be the last time that it happens to anyone.
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on March 03, 2018, 03:46:57 PM
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.
Jeff,
Those that forget the past (mistakes) are doomed to repeat it.
Greg Surfas
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on March 03, 2018, 06:31:30 PM
Jeff,
Those that forget the past (mistakes) are doomed to repeat it.
Greg Surfas
Exactly!!
Jeff
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
Greg,
It only gets worse the older you get.
Brian
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??
I have heard of it being done but have never seen it.
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
Just pulled the other side. Amazingly easy with all the bolts out.
Greg Surfas
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.
UPDATE:
Back together running like a dream.
Greg Surfas
For those who pull cast iron heads (or intakes) off these motors, do you do it all by yourself or do you get help?
Seems pretty heavy for one, but I'm starting to turn the corner from young to old(er).
chris.
Chris,
My thrice weekly work-out routine is intended to allow me to continue to work on my cars. I don't believe it but my last birthday was #76, and I just changed the heads myself. The hardest part is the re-installation and I have made that a lot easier by cutting the heads off a couple of head bolts and using them as a guide for installing the "new" head.
Pulling and replacing engines by myself is getting a bit harder though, so next time I will probably get some help.
Greg Surfas
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on March 24, 2018, 11:51:38 AM
Pulling and replacing engines by myself is getting a bit harder though, so next time I will probably get some help.
I'm in!
Jeff
Jeff,
45 West to Dallas and then 35E South to San Antonio. It's only 904 miles. LOL
Greg
Greg,
Great idea about using a set of cut off head bolts as a guide to re-install the heads - thanks for that tip! The angle and precise alignment of putting the heads back on a 472/500 is not an easy one man job for guys who might do it once a year - like me. The first time I did it messed up the gasket.
My workout routine also allows me to still manage the bull work of the 1960's/1970's Cadillacs, changing head gaskets, 115ft-lbs torque, control arms on suspensions, and etc. Working on these older Cadillacs keeps us young and interesting.