Cylinder head removal

[L88 crazy]

Can cylinder heads from a small block Chevy 350 in a 1972 Vette be removed while the engine is still in the car? Can it be done or does the engine have to be yanked out to remove the heads? I have AC on my 72, does that make a difference?

 

[Ken]

You can pull the heads while the engine is in the car. I leave it to the Shark owners to give you a step-by-step.

 

[The73vetteman]

Took the heads off my '73 L48 last Fall for a rebuild while leaving the engine in the car. Actually the job was easier than I had expected although I don't have a/c. From memory, the main steps were:

1. set engine to TDC (useful for getting the distributor back in correctly)
2. disconnect battery
3. remove hood
4. drain off coolant
5. label plug wires, then disconnect from sparkplugs, undo wire from coil and tach cable. Remove distributor.
6. remove valve covers, rockers and push rods
7. remove alternator
8. disconnect fuel line from carb (catch the gas that will spill)
9. disconnect throttle linkage
10. unbolt manifold, in reverse order to torquing up (start outside and move inwards). I left the carb on the manifold.
11. unbolt exhaust manifolds. Actually I have headers - they were awkward to get out the way of the head bolts.
12. undo head bolts. Be very careful to follow the reverse of the the tightening sequence. Lift off heads.

Three additional tips:
#1. take LOTS of photos
#2. be sure to keep dirt out of the valley between the heads.
#3. clean everything very thoroughly.

Now, just out of curiosity, why do you want to remove the heads?

'73

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Don't forget the Ibuprofen for your back at the end of the day. Leaning over the fenders is always the hardest part.

 

[mac495]

Don't forget the Ibuprofen for your back at the end of the day. Leaning over the fenders is always the hardest part.

Pete

I had to laugh when I saw your post because before even getting to it I was thinking the same thing....when I did mine the next day I felt like someone had beat me with a shovel..

 

[mike weyman]

the bolts along the bottom of the exhaust manifold are the hard ones, the rest is more memory than hard.mike

 

[GTR1999]

Yes, you can remove the heads in the car but as the other guys said your back may pay the price. The heads weight about 55 lbs. You can curl them up and have someone help you so you don't drop them on the fender! If I have to remove the heads I just pull the motor. It's much easier on an engine stand and you can replace the pan gaskets,clean the block, swap cams,etc

 

[bossvette]

I agree being the old lazy guy I am that what seems like more work is less work in the end. I pull the engine it's just easier that way;you young guys may dissagree but you can clean everything up nicer, repaint etc.