Looking to replace head Gasket.

[Joseph Davis]

My truck seems to run good but my radiator started to build pressure shortly after started, about 1 min. cooling system is holding pressure but the extra pressure probably will blow radiator. the pressure is 15 psi in one min. But on the IDI can I pull the heads off the block while still in truck if I put 2x4 block under the engine mounts. When I changed my push rods last year I did this to make it easier to get valve covers off. I have the Chilton's but it says pull motor. Can this be done in the truck so I don't **** off my landlord. I just have a small garage truck won't fit.

 

[renjaminfrankln]

Have not done it myself, but I believe many members here have done it. It will be tight, but doable, especially if you are sticking with head bolts and not doing studs.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

You may also want to remove the injector pump, intake, and valley pan before trying to pull the head. This will give you more room. It will also reduce the chances of damaging your new head gasket while installing the head. I would also recommend a helper to grab the head after you remove it and to lift the head up for you to grab while you're installing it. I HATED the idea of trying to climb into or out of the engine compartment with a head sitting on the core support. A dropped head can cause A LOT of damage to it, you, or both.

 

[Joseph Davis]

Yea sticking with head bolts just going with new ones and will just up date the heads with what ever is in the forecast for new parts.

 

[Joseph Davis]

You may also want to remove the injector pump, intake, and valley pan before trying to pull the head. This will give you more room. It will also reduce the chances of damaging your new head gasket while installing the head. I would also recommend a helper to grab the head after you remove it and to lift the head up for you to grab while you're installing it. I HATED the idea of trying to climb into or out of the engine compartment with a head sitting on the core support. A dropped head can cause A LOT of damage to it, you, or both.

You bet put the new injection pump in and could not even think about damaging that. Taking whole top end off.

 

[Joseph Davis]

This Old 7.3 NA just seem to keep going. I called her pig pin when I first got her. Now I started calling her Old Faith full.

 

[Jimmy Stewart]

Gonna wanna pull the brackets that hold alternator, power steering, etc as well

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Gonna wanna pull the brackets that hold alternator, power steering, etc as well

Actually, I don't. They work as a handle on the front part of the head. Of course that's assuming that you're pulling it off with your hands and not a cherry picker.

 

[Jimmy Stewart]

I took them off and put those long bolts back in to grab a hold of

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Now if only you could do the same thing on the back side of the head.

 

[Jimmy Stewart]

Now if only you could do the same thing on the back side of the head.

I took a couple of the shorter bolts and threaded them in on the back side of the heads. They weren’t asnice as the long ones but with leather gloves on they worked out.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I never did use anything on the back sides. The driver's side wasn't too bad since it has the square bosses on the back. The passenger's side was a PITA since it's pretty smooth. Just bee careful if you wear the gloves while installing the head. They could get caught underneath the head when you set it back on. It probably wouldn't do any damage, but I wouldn't recommend taking the risk.

 

[Joseph Davis]

I got my cherry picker and I usually pull every thing so I can inspect every thing. looking to pull the heads off Saturday. Only thing looks to be a problem is the back head bolt location for torqueing. Thanks for all the info Oil Burner's

 

[Jimmy Stewart]

I got my cherry picker and I usually pull every thing so I can inspect every thing. looking to pull the heads off Saturday. Only thing looks to be a problem is the back head bolt location for torqueing. Thanks for all the info Oil Burner's

I just did this. It’s not a whole lot of fun but worth it. That cherry picker will save you.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Only thing looks to be a problem is the back head bolt location for torqueing.

A torque wrench with a flexible head on it is a God send for this. I used that plus a shallow socket on a short extension.