Urgent help, with head removal

[sdh0001]

Hi, I have a blown head gasket in my 4L 93 explorer. I have taken everything out mnifold bolts, head bolts, push rods... I think the head is ready to come out. It seems like its cemented in. Is there a trick, maybe something I'm missing... how do I get the head out? Best pry point perhaps? Thank you so much!!!!!

 

[dreamr]

Please do not post the same thread in multiple Forums!

If you have removed all of the bolts and disconnected the exhaust manifold form the head it should just lift on out. Sometimes gaskets turn to cement on higher mileage vehicles. In that case I would recommend getting the edge of a cat's claw under there and doing a little gentle pry action to break the seal.

 

[sdh0001]

The only thing I haven't removed are the springs... I assume they don't have to be removed?
(Sorry about posting in multiple places)

 

[sdh0001]

I got a pry bar in there, and got the head to move up about 1/16" on the front side I'm prying on. The manifold is completely free, all 8 head bolts are out, the bar holding the rockers/push rods are out. It doesn;t appear that removing the springs would help. Any suggestions? Is there something in the back I'm missing? I have replacment heads on my bench ready to go in, and it seems I have all the botls out. If it cemented in there, any pry points recommended or other methods to get this thing out? I'm doing both side while I'm at it even though only one gasket blew out.

 

[spindlecone]

The springs have nothing to do with getting the head off, the springs and valves are all integral to the head.
You have two locating studs in the block, you need to pry both ends of the head equally.

 

[sdh0001]

Need help removing head

I gotta be missing something... the manifod basically fell right apart once all the bolts were gone... it's in place but pulls out of the way with ease. Hopefully these photos might help someone give me direction. Thank you

 

[spindlecone]

Thats a real rust bucket, keep prying at multiple points, good luck

 

[sdh0001]

ha ha ha... I know, can you beleive it only has 55K? It sat outside in someone's yard after they blew the gasket for about 3 to 4 years.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

As the old saying goes- "If all else fails get a bigger hammer"

Its possible someone put glass seal in the motor in an attempt to "fix" the blown head gasket. If they did you will have to use a hammer and beat the heads off.

 

[sdh0001]

There is that possibility. What is the risk of damage? other than the heads... not worried about them, because I have replacements. I have a big sledge I could use. The picture are a bit mis-leading, there really is not much rust... the whole engine is covered in anti-freeze. I'm putting the effort into the engine becasue the interior, exterior and tranny are practically mint. (Plus, I bought it from the owners folks for $100) I love my explorers... if I gotta use a sledge hammer, I guess we'll call it tough love lol! ***Update, I've been prying on this thing for hours, I am struggling to find pry points. I have 4 different pry bars in different sizes and shapes. ITs getting pretty frustrating. Is there some kind of fluid that could get into the seams and offer any relief?

 

[sdh0001]

No luck, this thing is driving me crazy! I wonder if I should just get another motor? Any suggestions?

I hit the thing, pried the thing, and got it to move up about 1/4" now. If I rented an engine lift, is it difficult to pull the engine? I image it would be easier to get these suckers out with the engine out? Thanks for any more suggestions!

 

[rookieshooter]

Leverage my man, leverage. Just take a long 1/2" extension or better yet a pipe and stick it it the ports. try doing this at several locations. Don't make me have to come up there. LOL Also those long pry bars that look like a screwdriver on steroids will work on the other parts of the head where the pipe can't get in. IF it does not come off then, take out the other head bolts. HA HA

 

[boominXplorer]

tap all the way around it with a dead blow hammer and it should wiggle off

Also did you take all the lower intake manifold bolts out? I think that also needs to come off

 

[sdh0001]

I may need someone to come up here LOL!!! The manifold is completely free, so yes. I'll try taking that out completely and nailing it some more with a hammer. Thanks all! If all this doesn't work, off to eBay it goes, and I'll have to get another Explorer to have some fun with. Thanks!

 

[Foggman]

I just did the same thing on my 94...you have to take the intake manifold off first. From the pictures it looks like its still there unless thats a picture from earlier in the tear down.

By all means DON'T PRY ON IT UNTIL YOU HAVE THE INTAKE OUT!!!

hope this helps...

 

[mavroxur]

hmmm

Intake manifold removal is MANDATORY in removing the cylinder heads!


- Chris