prying(?) head off.....

stormpetrel · Apr 18, 2011

I DID dig the tractor out......have the head bolts off. The head doesn't want to budge; I've tried some "dead blow" hits, prying, no luck. Any hints?

The other thing I'm thinking about is a temp gauge, so I only do this once

I seem to remember a special type of fitting....?

Any help appreciated!!:thumbsup:

HoyeTractor · Apr 18, 2011

I've heard of some people slowly turning the engine over by hand to free a stuck head (let the compression do the work). As long as you are SURE all of the bolts are loose I can't see that it would hurt anything. You should be able to just pry it off though.

stormpetrel · Apr 18, 2011

HoyeTractor said:
I've heard of some people slowly turning the engine over by hand to free a stuck head (let the compression do the work). As long as you are SURE all of the bolts are loose I can't see that it would hurt anything. You should be able to just pry it off though.

Thanks Aaron. By "pry", do you mean trying to get something between the head & the block? All 5 bolts (ok, studs) are off....there are only five right? :laughing:

I did get my head gasket from Hoye, and the knuckle seals I'm about to replace. I must say, I couldn't be too much happier with the level of service I've gotten when I call with questions. Really excellent, thanks! (I knew there was some reason I dropped your name in the "I must buy a Yanmar tractor" video!!!!)
:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

BruceWard · Apr 18, 2011

I wouldnt place anything between the head and block. Is there any kind of attachment point on the head? If so can use that to pull up? My preferred route would be to rotate the crank by hand and let the pressure break the seal.

winston1 · Apr 18, 2011

stormpetrel said:
Thanks Aaron. By "pry", do you mean trying to get something between the head & the block? All 5 bolts (ok, studs) are off....there are only five right? :laughing:

I did get my head gasket from Hoye, and the knuckle seals I'm about to replace. I must say, I couldn't be too much happier with the level of service I've gotten when I call with questions. Really excellent, thanks! (I knew there was some reason I dropped your name in the "I must buy a Yanmar tractor" video!!!!)
:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

OK, I'm old and sometimes not sure about things. I take it by the laughing face you are joking about the 5 bolts? If you have the 6 out you will do no harm with a sharpened screwdriver blade on the steel head and block by driving it in a little to break the seal. Must say, my experience most head gaskets don't stick that way.

stormpetrel · Apr 18, 2011

I was joking, all six are off. I'm worried about damaging the head or block by trying to get in between 'em. Rotating the crank is a good one though, hadn't thought about that.....

I'll report back tomorrow after I try again.

284 International · Apr 18, 2011

The others have said what is probably the correct way to do it, turning it over by hand very slowly. However, I bet you could pull the compression release, or pull it part way, then "bump" the starter. I'm not saying it's right or smart, but it's something I would do if I couldn't get a socket onto the crankshaft nut. (As is the case with my YM240, with a shaft mounted pump off the crank pulley.) I would also leave two or three head bolts in loosely, just to keep it from bouncing off the ceiling.

California · Apr 19, 2011

Did you find the bolt down in the intake manifold?

stormpetrel · Apr 19, 2011

Turning her over popped the head off......thanks!! It looks as if the motor has never been disassembled, if it has, you'd have a hard time telling.

One thing though: one of the studs came out. It didn't break, it's just that the nut and stud turned, with the result that the entire stud came out. I thought it may have broken, and was relieved. Is this a problem? Should I use two nuts to re-install the stud? If I do, can I use just the recommended head bolt torque? I would think it would be foolish to use more..........any thoughts?

clemsonfor · Apr 19, 2011

stormpetrel said:
Turning her over popped the head off......thanks!! It looks as if the motor has never been disassembled, if it has, you'd have a hard time telling.

One thing though: one of the studs came out. It didn't break, it's just that the nut and stud turned, with the result that the entire stud came out. I thought it may have broken, and was relieved. Is this a problem? Should I use two nuts to re-install the stud? If I do, can I use just the recommended head bolt torque? I would think it would be foolish to use more..........any thoughts?

Technically your suppose to use all new studs/bolts when doing head repairs, or is that just bolts... not sure? But if the nut comes off thats what id do, maybe some semi-permanant lock-tite as well.