I have all the head bolts removed except the middle bolt on left side which broke off even with the top deck of the head. For the life of me, I can't get the head off. It's the original engine in my '78z. I've used a heavy rubber mallet and also tried to get a stiff putty blade in between the block and gasket but no go. The head will not budge. Any suggestions? I'm afraid to smack the head too hard with the mallet. What do I do short of taking it to the machine shop?

Thanks,

Brent

Bret,

I'm sure somebody is going to scream about this one, but many years ago, I had the same problem. After trying just about everything, I just turned the engine over. The compression popped it free in about 1 second.

I don't know if anyone else has ever tried this, but thought I'd share...

Best,

Bob

That's an "Old Country Trick" as my Dad used to call that sort of thing, but it works, or at least it did for me the one time I did it.

DON"T FORGET TO REMOVE THE TWO 6mm BOLTS AT THE FRONT COVER!!!!!!

DON"T FORGET TO REMOVE THE TWO 6mm BOLTS AT THE FRONT COVER!!!!!!

I am glad SOMEONE said this. This will trip up most people, even those who have pulled the head numerous times.

I just had the same problem on my '72 when we pulled the head off 2 weeks ago. Broke a few bolts, got them out after some work but the head still would not budge. Ended up taking awhile. I used a flat drywall spatula/scraper thing to get under the gasket on the block side. Then used a hammer and tapped it enough to break the seal, then I tapped it down the exhaust side to break the seal, but theres little metal guides like little dowels that guide the head on the block so watch out for those.

Even after it seemed I got most of the area 'cracked' the head still would not come off. I got a flat metal wedge at the front side and tapped it in , then took another one and did the other side, then I could see light coming thru the other side. A few more whacks and it popped off.

When I brought the head in to the machine shop it wasn't warped or anything. I was pretty careful, but it did require a bit of force.

Copy that Nissanman!.......take the two little hiding bolts off of the front lower part of the head........it makes removing the head much easier. Same thing when you remove the engine from the tranny......get those two little hiding bolts from the lower housing!!

When I ran into this on my '71 I was given the suggestion to set the number 1 and 6 cylinder to bottom and stuff nylon rope, as much as you can, into number 1 and 6, then turn it over using a breaker bar and socket on the crank bolt. Worked for me after trying all the wedges, scrapers, etc.