Removing Dowel pin holes in the block

[FastGS-T]

The two dowel pins (they hold the head gasket on and help you set the head onto the block) are boogered up on my engine

how do i get them out? pulling isnt working, just pull harder? thx

 

[Highbooost]

I have used a dril bit that is a little larger than the hole. The bit seems to bite into the dowl and spins it as well, once it has a nice bite on it you should just be able to pull it out. DO NOT let it drill shavings, it should bite right into the dowl.

 

[pauleyman]

I just removed mine and it always sucks. There has to an elegant method. Maybe even one that let's you reuse? Comments?

 

[curt-s]

Hitting the exposed dowel end with a can of "computer duster" whilst being upside down (the can, not the block)? Doesn't that usually end up shooting cold due to the liquid inside? Or is that stuff more environmentally safe now? It's been 20 years since I've last used one.

We usually heat to expand, so cooling to shrink is also potentially valid.

 

[midoko]

I tapped mine gently with a hammer to break any rust/grime bond, then use lock nose pliers, one jaw in, one out. Clamp it firmly, then use a hammer to tap on the pliers to ease it out.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I've used vice-grips to pull them, but had cardboard between the pliers and the deck surface. I've also used larger screw extractors to pull them with success.

 

[danl]

I’ve been successful with knipex parallel jaw pliers. However if it came to it, I would fill it with grease, make a shaft that fit the I.D. Of the dowel, and pound it out with hydraulic power.