Removing cylinder head / engine removal

[leung23c]

So I bought a truck that couldn't start. We got it cranking, and discover one cylinder has low/no compression. I want to ask how involved is it to remove a cylinder head with the engine in truck?

 

[WrenchWhore]

When you mean cranking you mean running or just cranking over the starter? Also, what cylinder is low on compression?

 

[DaveBen]

The cylinder heads are HEAVY! Over 110 pounds for each assembled head.

 

[Nero]

I have done my heads in chassis, I used a cherry picker to remove and install them. Pretty simple,
Take accessories off
Take pump out
Take intake off
Take exhaust off
Pull valve covers
Pull valves/push tubes
Pull heads

 

[Jesus Freak]

I've done it both ways a couple times. Just like @Nero said, use a cherry picker......if it's the passenger side head, there's some finagling with the back corner bolt. Like, pull it out halfway and put a zip tie on it....... the superior option is to fry fresh fish for your really good friend who's doing it for you.

 

[leung23c]

Uploaded video for cranking

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Honestly not sure what to do.......

 

[Jesus Freak]

The first thing is to see if it's getting fuel to the injectors. Then work it back from there.

 

[Nero]

I wouldnt hold a candle to the low compression just yet. Just by listening to how it cranks, it sounds pretty good to me.

I would start by verifying your glowplug system is up to par. Meaning all 8 plugs are good, and you either have a good auto system, or bypass it to a manual glow plug.

After that, verify you have good lift pump pressure to your filter head. Should be minimum 4psi during cranking.

Then crack all your injector lines loose and verify fuel to injectors.

With all these in place, even with a cylinder at zero compression, she should fire off.

 

[FrozenMerc]

I pulled the heads in chassis once. Mrs. FM even got involved in retorquing the head bolts.

That said, I learned my lesson and everytime after that, the motor came out. Much easier to work on the heads properly out of the truck.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Black dawg]

Get it running first. I can for sure hear the light hole cranking, but you never know, it could straighten out with a little run time, or......its broke enough that it isnt worth fixing. Will know a lot more after running it.

 

[WrenchWhore]

I'm with @Black dawg on that one as well. Even if the cylinder is weak I'd get her running long enough to get more information about the motor. I wouldn't just go tearing into the motor willy-nilly. Any maintenance records on this thing?

 

[KansasIDI]

I’m crazy, (my name is even a derivative of the word) and my favorite way to work on these engines is to pull the cab. A little ridiculous, as these trucks are pretty easy to work on intact, but if you’re doing something major, and have the resources, I consider the effort to be worth it. Just my two cents, probably worth more as washers if you drilled holes through them.

 

[Black dawg]

I’m crazy, (my name is even a derivative of the word) and my favorite way to work on these engines is to pull the cab. A little ridiculous, as these trucks are pretty easy to work on intact, but if you’re doing something major, and have the resources, I consider the effort to be worth it. Just my two cents, probably worth more as washers if you drilled holes through them.

I have never pulled one of these cabs for engine work, but plan to. Anything to watch out for vs the newer trucks that were designed to be worked on that way?

 

[onetonjohn]

How do you pull the cab? With lift supported from the bottom? Or are you doing something like wrapping under roof and using forklift/escalator? Curious is second option bends or deforms the cab.

 

[XOLATEM]

Just my two cents, probably worth more as washers if you drilled holes through them.

That's funny...took me a minute to figure it out but I laughed harder...

On the pull the cab thing...that is one reason that I will never own a newer Ford Truck. I just see it as screwing the little guy. I also hate to have to mess with the ac system.

The first thing I did when I looked at what was to become my truck was to pop the hood and, to my relief, there was no ac. At that point I was half sold.

I just don't want all of that extra stuff...

After that it was just a matter of seeing what was going to need to be fixed to negotiate the price. I am still glad I pulled the trigger on it. Even though I had to fix a lot of stuff, it was an adventure.

On the cylinder head thing...I have an engine out in the driveway covered up waiting to be flossed together. When I pulled the heads to check out the cylinders they were kinda heavy, but I don't remember them being too awful bad. I would have not guessed them being over 100 lbs. More like 70-80. Come to think of it, the valvetrain and injectors were removed.

Pick up a torque convertor on an Allison 653 and see if you think that is heavy. They unbolt, by the way...

Anyway, I digress...got stuff to do...

Have a great Sunday, Gents.

.02, undrilled...