Cylinder Head Won't Budge

[Tom R]

I just came across the same issue on a CB750 I’m taking apart.... I used a foot long left over length of hand rail through the cylinder and gave it a couple whacks with a hammer. I just held the cylinder block with one hand. Not a very eloquent solution, but it works.

 

[Nessism]

I just came across the same issue on a CB750 I’m taking apart.... I used a foot long left over length of hand rail through the cylinder and gave it a couple whacks with a hammer. I just held the cylinder block with one hand. Not a very eloquent solution, but it works.

That's what I'm talk'n about!

Get a piece of wood that's roughly the same width as the cylinder bore. You don't want a skinny piece of wood which will press on the valve heads.

 

[chuck hahn]

sure ALL the 10mm bolts are out?

 

[Tom R]

It doesn’t take much... in my case it was the locating dowels that didn’t want to let go.

 

[RustyTank]

sure ALL the 10mm bolts are out?

Yup...I've checked so many times :lol:

I got all of em, including the two side bolts, as well as the front one that's often missed.

 

[RustyTank]

tel:2635801[/URL]"]2635801[/URL]]A wood shim aimed at the head gasket would likely work too. There are easier and cheaper ways than buying a tub and 5 gallons of some concoction that you will have no easy way to dispose of.

Nessism, you make a good point.

tel:2635803[/URL]"]2635803[/URL]]I just came across the same issue on a CB750 I?m taking apart.... I used a foot long left over length of hand rail through the cylinder and gave it a couple whacks with a hammer. I just held the cylinder block with one hand. Not a very eloquent solution, but it works.

tel:2635806[/URL]"]2635806[/URL]]That's what I'm talk'n about!

Get a piece of wood that's roughly the same width as the cylinder bore. You don't want a skinny piece of wood which will press on the valve heads.

I suppose if there?s anyplace to take a wack at it that?s the spot. Ok then, over the next couple days I'll give this a go and report back.

 

[RustyTank]

SUCCESS! Thanks everyone for your help, specifically to Tom and Nessism for presenting the method and the encouragement.

 

[Nessism]

SUCCESS! Thanks everyone for your help, specifically Tom for presenting the method...

 

[Guest]

I'm in no hurry, I know these things take time. I appreciate the info about the compression, I'm sure I can use that knowledge down the road. I think I'd rather try the soaking technique at this point.



Is this an alternative to soaking the entire thing with the same result expected? If so, I suppose in this case I'd be saving the valve seals? Maybe I've got the wrong impression.

You have the right impression, it salvages valve seals if they are good. It also allows you to soak the stuck area with the cylinders off of the engine. Lacquer thinner is the base of many carb cleaning products like spray carb cleaner, even seafoam has a little similar petroleum product in it. Lacquer thinner is a very good carb/parts cleaner, it is very flammable. If you can safely handle gasoline, handling lacquer thinner isn't much different.

I saw you got it off, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

 

[RustyTank]

You have the right impression, it salvages valve seals if they are good. It also allows you to soak the stuck area with the cylinders off of the engine. Lacquer thinner is the base of many carb cleaning products like spray carb cleaner, even seafoam has a little similar petroleum product in it. Lacquer thinner is a very good carb/parts cleaner, it is very flammable. If you can safely handle gasoline, handling lacquer thinner isn't much different.

Thanks a lot for that info metalfab. May come in handy in a future build.

 

[RustyTank]

Where should I send the check? :wink-new:

 

[xkaes]

This discussion should be copied to the TIPS AND TRICKS Sub-Forum, for sure.

 

[RustyTank]

This discussion should be copied to the TIPS AND TRICKS Sub-Forum, for sure.

Great suggestion. Who makes that happen? Mod? Author?

 

[Burque73]

Great suggestion. Who makes that happen? Mod? Author?

Actually, since you started the thread you can move it. Up on top it next to thread tools it says administrative. Click the drop down menu and select move thread. That should work.

 

[RustyTank]

Actually, since you started the thread you can move it. Up on top it next to thread tools it says administrative. Click the drop down menu and select move thread. That should work.

Done! Thanks for the guidance Burque73

 

[Big T]

Congrats!
Question first, then apply more force

 

[red1100]

Years ago a guy wrote into Popular hot rodding mag about trouble getting a SBC head off and finally went with a 5 foot bar in the intake port which finally popped it loose. However the entire lower row of grease encrusted bolts were still holding the lower remains of the head to the block. The byline was "If all else fails remove all the head bolts"

 

[RustyTank]

Years ago a guy wrote into Popular hot rodding mag about trouble getting a SBC head off and finally went with a 5 foot bar in the intake port which finally popped it loose. However the entire lower row of grease encrusted bolts were still holding the lower remains of the head to the block. The byline was "If all else fails remove all the head bolts"

lol, nice.

 

[wymple]

I had a recently severely stuck set of pistons. Old timers told me to squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders and go away for a few days. After a week it turned over like it was never stuck to begin with.

 

[LAB3]

I had a recently severely stuck set of pistons. Old timers told me to squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders and go away for a few days. After a week it turned over like it was never stuck to begin with.

When it comes to old timers all problems in the shop can be remidied with either Marvel Mystery Oil or JB Weld.