head removal for new guy.

[ztlaser]

hey guys, first time to be pulling the head on a 4g63T on my 1990 plymouth laser rs. I have pulled the head bolts, timing sprockets/belt, and most of everything else. I know I have to pull the motor mount off. I have also pulled fuel rail and all vacuums. I need to know what else I'm missing? Do you pull the 3 gold hex bolts in the middle? I am stumped to what I'm missing.... Just need to replace head gasket and put back together asap. I have also replaced the oil pump and tensioner and all that for mini rebuild. Just need to remove the head to complete! I have read and searched and don't think I'm missing anything. Please let me know asap! Thanks!

 

[Boostinsideways]

Basing on your post I am guessing its a block in car head removal.

There is a bracket on the back of the intake manifold that attaches it too the block.

There is also the downpipe/oil return line on the turbo if you have not removed that yet.

 

[ztlaser]

yea I got the oil lines also. But I'll try that bolt next and I still have to remove motor mount and all that so I'm about halfway done with the whole job.

 

[Boostinsideways]

I usually just crawl on top of the engine from the front and reach around either and unbolt the the bracket from the manifold.

Some people prefer to un bolt it from the block from the back side. Easier said than done unless you pop the axle and intermediate shaft out of the way.

 

[ztlaser]

okay cool. How stuck is the head on the block usually? as in how much force will it take to separate?

 

[TSITurbo95]

^ You might have to pry at it a little bit, DO NOT PRY BETWEEN THE HEAD/BLOCK SURFACES!!! Ply up on a manifold stud, or casting lip on the head. But it should come up fairly easily.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Yep just keep wiggling it takes a bit of work but eventually it comes up, done too many of those jobs.

 

[RunninPlaya]

usually not that hard, if you have someone with you it'll come right up. otherwise, call a friend over, they are just awkward to remove by yourself

 

[ztlaser]

ok awesome! Yea got a friend to help with the rest. Should be up and running this friday! I'm keeping my hopes up!

 

[socalmk1]

I just finished my hg. Hopefully ill never have to do it again. ARP's ftw

 

[IceMan526]

Its really not that hard of a job. Just keep taking things off if they look in the way, and youll notice if you forgot something when you go to pull it off and it doesnt move. Two people will definatley make it alot easier especially when your putting it back in. Make sure to support the motor from underneath before you take that mount off.

 

[TSiAWDRatlemstr]

okay cool. How stuck is the head on the block usually? as in how much force will it take to separate?

Make sure that you use a flashlight and look all around for little things holding it up and that you didn't miss any head bolts or anything. I just installed a rebuilt head on a 1990 TSi in the car and was amazed by how hard it was to pop it off of there. Like everyone else was saying, try to rock it back and forth. I ended up rocking it and using a soft blow hammer and it came loose. I had to reef on it. You won't break it.

 

[jason91dsm]

its not that hard just take your time and put all of your bolts in labeled bags will make life alot easier when going back together. unbolt the bracket from the intake manifold if i remmember correctly there are two 14mm bolts holding the bracket to the manifold.

 

[dino4g63]

I agree with jason91dsm. Label everything. I use a roll of masking tape. Make small labels out of the masking tape. Be detailed and reference location. It will save a lot of headache.