420a Head Removal

[99BoostedRS]

Hey wassup guys. recently i tried removing the head from my 99 RS and i took everything that needed to be taken out but for some the reason the head wont come off. If i pick up the head from the front it will come up a little bit but something from the back is holding it down and i can't seem to see what it is. I'm thinking it could be something from the intake manifold. Any help is appreciated.

 

[1slow97]

Did you remove the 2 brackets that go from the block to the head?

 

[bagged420a]

you start off by saying you took everything off, and end with something is holding the head on. In all seriousness, find out what it is and unbolt it.

 

[andyvr2]

yeah buddy, it sounds like you missed something. Go all the way around the head and thoroughly inspect all lines, brackets and sensors. If you still cant find it, then post up some pics from all 4 sides someone can maybe see something your missing.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Did you remove the 2 brackets that go from the block to the head?

I agree, these two brackets are often missed.

Other than that, you may simply have to use a little brute force to work the head loose. It fits snuggly on two dowel pins that may make it seem as though something is still bolted on.

 

[99BoostedRS]

I agree, these two brackets are often missed.

Other than that, you may simply have to use a little brute force to work the head loose. It fits snuggly on two dowel pins that may make it seem as though something is still bolted on.

Are the brackets you guys are talking about the ones from the intake manifold? If so i can't see/reach them. Any suggestions on how to do it?

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Yes, I believe there are three of them; two in the back and one in the front. Get to them any way you can... usually from underneath with various extensions, swivels, etc.

 

[99BoostedRS]

Ok nice, thanks alot for the help paul.

 

[rshissler]

yea its easier to just go under the car and reach up behind the block to get to them.

 

[99BoostedRS]

I just finished taking the head off. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[EDM95]

I just finished taking the head off. Thanks for all the help guys.

Was it hard to pull off? I'm about to take mine off here real soon and was just wondering about it.

 

[csquier74]

Was it hard to pull off? I'm about to take mine off here real soon and was just wondering about it.

Taking it off is pretty easy. Like the OP, you just have to make sure you get everything disconnected. Those two braces on the back of the block to the intake manifold can be a nuisance.

It's putting it back on that can get difficult. I have trouble with the front of the motor business, like the timing belt and such with the clearance issues.

Do it a couple of times and it becomes second nature though. If you hit any snags getting it apart or back together, there are plenty of people here, myself included, that have way too much familiarity with the process.

Also, I highly recommend gear wrenches for the tight clearances. They're a major time-saver with a head pull-off.