Getting stuck aluminum flathead heads off???

I don't really recall, but it couldn't have been too difficult if I was able to do it!

 

Yup. Bust the porcelain out.

Be careful though on those spark plug threads in the aluminum. Don't want to have to Helicoil them.

 

If you want to save the heads, I know it is a bit more work but, pull the crank and rods and pistons and use a 2X4 and hammer from behind....

 

slide hammer, bolted to the spark plug whole, works great, get to slide hammers, one on each end of the head.

jeff

 

Paraffin wax? I like the running trick. The heat and comp should do it.

 

The spark plug is a ******* size thread, how did you attach it?

 

I welded a nut that fit the threads on the slide hammer to the reminants off a spark plug.

 

Put a little diesel down the cylinders Pump some air into cylinders, and tap with rubber hammer

 

First option I'd use would be to start and run the engine with loose head nuts. I'd be against using any method that could bend a connecting rod or take the spark plug threads out of the heads.
Also, the CLR method sounds like a helluva idea to me.

 

I love it when head is applied! But penetrant ain't bad either.

 

I have zero experience with flatheads -- ZERO!

But I do work in a chemistry lab.

CLR might work, but for aluminum, I'm not sure it would do much -- if you've already added oil to the threads, I don't know that CLR would penetrate through grease, as it likely requires a pretty clean surface to begin with... However, if you are not absolutely set on reusing these heads, you might try concentrated Sodium Hydroxide. It will absolutely dissolve aluminum -- like, completely gone, no more, zip, zilch, gone -- and it's soap-like, so in theory it would degrease the area as well.

It SHOULDN'T effect the steel underneath the heads, which would be my primary concern. Having never tried this, I can't really recommend it... But if nothing else works, it might be worth a shot. I'm not sure what exactly it would accomplish; I'm ***uming the bolts are stuck in the block (and the heads are just sandwiched between), but I have no idea.

Also use caution when handling it; it will saponify the fats in your skin (turn them into soap), and dry them out like crazy.

Edit: To be even clearer(er): This could very well destroy the heads. But might help salvage the rest.

 

I would go with the welding a nut on trick.

 

run the flathead with the studs loose. easiest way by far

 

I have often wondered if you modified the pumping in grease method would work with just compressed air? Find the 2 cylinders that have both valves closed and thread in a modified spark plug and hook up shop air and sit back and have a cold beer.

 

Unkle Sid used propane and a match! They came off. (nonresponsiblity clause attatched)

 

Start it, old time ford mech. got mine off that way. just be sure to leave the nuts on loose! He forgot that part.

 

welding nuts to the studs works, as does the parrafin wax. the wax trick is magic, actually.

 

Thanks to Richard D and Elrod's threads I made this tonight. I gotta trim it yet...anyone think it'll warp if I cut it with a torch? 7/16" thick. Either way, the four center holes are for bolts that go down into hollowed/tapped spark plugs securing the plate to the head. The outer four holes are tapped and line up with the 4 outer perimeter studs. Start carefully tightening down the outer bolts, it should draw the head up. I was so excited to try it...but then realized I did not have long enough bolts and it's too late for the hardware store Guess we'll try it out tomorrow!

 

Have you tried using Coke, or mol***es to get into the stuck threads?

Scotty

 

Brilliant!

 

This worked great for me^

 

i borrowed a puller, it was made by k.r. wilson to pull flat head heads. the way it worked it slid over the end of the heads so that it cradled the top and bottom edge of the head. one towards the back and one near the front. it had bolts that threaded into the tool and pushed down on the studs. the tool pulled them right off. the heads were cast not aluminum.

 

Get some all thread and use double nuts. Works for me.

 

I may if I can find it in fine thread...I tapped it fine thread, figured more threads in the thin material.

 

This guy has a lot of exact copies of special tools for old cars.





Tools: Mike's "A" Ford-Able Parts

 

Cool stuff! Lots made in the U.S.A. Wish the pictures were bigger.

 

I sure hope you do the " start it up without the headbolts" deal ....gotta see that one . I think a case of beer should be involved , before or after ....maybe both .

T

 

Funny everyone keeps saying to try starting it, this quote was from the first post, I fugured it doesn't run. Would be fun to do to a Jap motor, with NO bolts, just watch the heads fly!

 

yeah.... but have you tried cranking it over with the plugs in?

 

I hope this works. I need to try it too. Was worried about stripping the plug holes in the heads though.