Engine: Head removal

[bettystu]

I have a blown head gasket and on my '48 Champion and have removed all the head bolts. What is a safe way to loosen the head from the block?

[StudeRich]

Are you sure the (2) Water Outlet Head Bolts are out ? It should not be all that tight.

[Ross]

You could just spin the starter a bit and the compression will likely loosen it or take a block of wood and a heavy hammer and give it a good whack sideways at the corners.

[Big Dan]

It's just "crud stuck" seal which will let loose very easily.

Just tap it GENTLY with a rubber headed mallet while walking around the edge. Make sure you have it semi-secured, so it doesn't jump off the block. When it lets loose it will Un attach everywhere.

If it's really stubborn, you can slip a really thin putty knife between the head and block to "pop" the seal. Only have to go in about 3/4 inch with that.

DO NOT hit the head with anything metal (like a hammer unless you use a wood plate or block.

Make absolutely certain that you have that head checked for any cracks (with a Magnaflux/MPI test) warping, and have it surfaced flat at a machine shop before you reinstall it with a new gasket if necessary (and it will be)!

Here is a previous thread where we discussed the removal of my head on my 51 Champion, the inspection and reinstallation.

Champion Head Removal and Inspection - Studebaker Drivers Club Forum

PS. Buy a pair of long M14/1.25 Lug Bolts to put in two of the Spark Plug holes to handle the head with once you get it loose. It makes life a lot easier.