Anyone have a guide to pull a 7.3 idi?

[FrozenMerc]

The difficulty level is directly proportional to how many exhaust manifold bolts break off inside the head....

 

[steelholder]

The difficulty level is directly proportional to how many exhaust manifold bolts break off inside the head....

Can anything help them not breaking off? Penetrant, hearing the area etc?

 

[FrozenMerc]

Heat and JB80 are your friends. The best thing to do is leave the manifolds on, but that is not always possible.

 

[Nero]

I pulled mine with manifolds attached, then once the heads were out took them off.

During install, I left the manifolds off and put them in later.

 

[steelholder]

I pulled mine with manifolds attached, then once the heads were out took them off.

During install, I left the manifolds off and put them in later.

Nice any other tips for a smoother removal?

 

[Nero]

Take the half case for the HVAC box off. Bunch of 8mm coarse thread screws. Pops right off and adds a ton of clearance. Past that, its pretty straightforward. I used a cherry picker to take off and install both heads.

You'll get a bunch of coolant spillage into the cylinders. Be sure to vacuum out/towel out as much coolant as possible.

Or pull a block plug and drain it. I guess theres one behind the starter. I didnt pull it.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Or pull a block plug and drain it. I guess theres one behind the starter. I didnt pull it.

Yes there is. You'll still end up with some coolant in the cylinders.

Nice any other tips for a smoother removal?

Loosen all of the bolts in the intake manifold. Not just the ones that go into the head you're pulling off.

 

[steelholder]

Yes there is. You'll still end up with some coolant in the cylinders.

Loosen all of the bolts in the intake manifold. Not just the ones that go into the head you're pulling off.

Even if I'm not removing the manifolds?

 

[Jesus Freak]

Nice any other tips for a smoother removal?

Post #7......

These engines are crazy heavy, take your time..... helmets, elbow pads, safety cones, orange vests.... emergency flares...... caution, ya know...

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Even if I'm not removing the manifolds?

I should have said "remove" all of the bolts in the intake manifold. It will allow it to move side to side a little bit and it will let you position the head better during the install. Even if you use a cherry picker to pull and install the head, you'll be fighting the intake if you leave any bolts in it.

 

[Nero]

I suggest taking the valley pan out, dont want to bend it up. Also means taking the IP out, but you're already halfway there... Just index it for timing is all.

 

[steelholder]

I suggest taking the valley pan out, dont want to bend it up. Also means taking the IP out, but you're already halfway there... Just index it for timing is all.

Im tempted to do this but I may just have to wait until I can pull the entire engine and do all the preventive stuff that easily accessible then.