>
> So I've got everything disconnected from the head, including all 14
> head nuts (and some studs - why can't they use bolts like everyone
> else?), exhaust manifold is disconnected, water pump body is out of
> the way, but that puppy just doesn't want to come off. I turned the
> engine over with the spark plugs back in their holes but it didn't
> pop. I can't seem to get even a thin blade between the head and block
> to begin prying it up. Anybody got any tried and true methods for
> loosening these suckers up? Have I missed a secret bolt or nut
> someplace?
>
>
> Jim Sudduth
>
Jim,
I just went through a frustrating head removal on my TR3A. I tried the
old two-or-three-feet-of-nylon-rope-through-the-spark-plug-hole trick, and
after (violently) pounding the engine over by hand, managed to get the front
to lift about a half inch. Moving the rope to the back cylinder didn't have
much effect. It took oak wedges pushed in from the sides (probably not a
good idea) and careful probing with a thin blade (worse idea) before I could
get the back to lift at all. Even after it was all separated, the studs
didn't want to slide through the head near the site of an old head gasket
trauma. When it finally was off, the head had a few very fine scratches, but
nothing too serious. It took about three evenings of carefully and not-so
carefully applied force, with frequent breaks when I got mad. Don't work on
cars when you're mad at them, they have ways of getting even.
Just keep telling yourself you're having fun, and how lucky you are to have
such a rewarding hobby...
Dave
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