1994 850 Turbo Idea's on getting head to break free

GDiode · Post by **GDiode** » 06 Sep 2015, 20:42

Okay so I've been working on removing the head from my daughters 850. Some of you might remember helping me diagnose the burned valve a month ago.
I've followed Robert's (RSPI) instructions and I got all the way down to breaking the head free and I can't get it to budge. 7 of the exhaust manifold studs came all the way out leaving just 3 with the studs without nuts on them. I did remember to remove the coolant pipe screws from the passenger side back by the exhaust manifold. Come to think of it I didn't break the ex. manifold away from the head.
Could this be what is holding the head down and not letting it move at all? Or can they just be a bear to break free. Yes I did make sure that all of the head bolts were removed. Any hints then on breaking the manifold free?

Thanks Guys,

Shannon

Post by **FLXC90** » 06 Sep 2015, 22:07

With the manifold installed it would be difficult, but not impossible to break the head free of the block. But it wouldn't go anywhere upwards. After you remove the manifold, look for the tabs around the edge of the mating surfaces. The tabs are designed for a special pair of pliers to expand in the space between the tabs, prying the parts free. other methods are to pry but only in the same area, or to strike a drift on the upper pads (pretty much impossible in the car). Watch the videos again, noting what you have done, and see if there's anything else. That's the beauty of the medium, you can always look some more!

1ezliving4ume · Post by **1ezliving4ume** » 07 Sep 2015, 06:30

I'm in the middle of a turbo replacement and a head gasket job. I removed the head by unhooking the turbo from the manifold. Much easier than trying to unbolt the manifold from the head IMO.
When removing the head bolts apply heavy pressure to the bolts before just yanking on them. Does that make sense? I Broke one head bolt off, the back one between 3 and 4 piston and thought the block would be trash:( But as it turned out a hex shaped turn buckle fit right down in the hole and allowed me to drill first with a small dia. left hand bit and then with a little larger one and it backed right out! Prefect!

GDiode · Post by **GDiode** » 08 Sep 2015, 00:24

I got it off by removing the exhaust flange bolts and the turbo nuts. I don't think any of that had been removed since it was made 20 years ago. They were really really tight. Now just save some pennies for the next couple of weeks to buy all the parts that I want to replace since I'm already torn into the engine this far. I already have the PCV kit and I just ordered the head gasket kit. Thanks everyone for there thoughts. I'm sure I'll have more questions when I go putting everything back on.

Shannon