Date:         Tue, 1 Feb 2005 23:16:57 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Removing watercooled cyl heads, engine in car
Comments: To: jbclem1 <jbclem1@CHARTER.NET>

The cylinders have "ears" near the head.  I have successfully used an open
end wrench as a fulcrum to pry them apart.

Make sure that neither piston on that side is at its lowest point of travel
so that a small amount of movement of the cylinder won't cause the rings to
pop out the bottom of the cylinder.

Mike
'84 GL 7 pass
'85 GL Westy


> First time I've removed the cylinder heads with the engine in the car,
> 1983 watercooled.  I'm on the
> #1 & #2 side, I've separated the cylinder head about 3/4" from the
> block(water jacket) and I can see
> the cylinders moving with the cylinder head...ie they are sticking to the
> cylinder head.
>
> I thought I'd stop at this point and ask for some unsticking cylinder
> heads tips.  I've sprayed
> WD-40 like substance as much as I could, I've tapped lightly on the
> cylinder head hoping the
> vibration might free up the rust.  I may take a piece of wood and try
> tapping on the cylinders.
>
> Any surefire ideas at this point?  I'm trying to avoid removing the
> engine, and I'd like to keep the
> cylinders from coming out with the head.
>
> John