neede some help-heads/cam swap

[legalize420]

i started last night and its going pretty smoot so far. i have two questions. how do you remove the valve covers? i removed the 6 bolts and now they wont budge. i wanted to check before i start using force to get them off, am i missing something, is it just the six bolts. second question. how do you remove the radiator. i found the 4 places that hold it in but im not sure how to get it out. do i have to remove the fan from the rad or can i leave it attached and take out the whole thing.

 

[legalize420]

nevermind. got them out. taking a break, but now i have a question about the accesories on the driver side. it looks like there are only two bolts that are attached to the head. if i can get those two bolts out can i leave the a/c and power steering where they are. it looks like i need to remove the power steering pulley, is that the case?

 

[95opal]

yes you have to pull the ps pulley.you can grab a puller from autozone. good luck

 

[legalize420]

i thought the header bolts were a pita but thats nothing compared what im going through with these head bolts. i know i have read about people using pb blaster for bolts, i might have to go get some. i wish i had some air tools.

 

[RIO5.0]

That bracket bolt under the pulley can be had if you wanna grind a wrench "thin" to access it and creep it out...Puller is much easier, but alot of guys get that bolt without one, just an option......personally I use the puller...

 

[GRGT1994]

Yes do get some PB Blaster right away. I would never start a job like that without a bottle (or two). It's best to hit the bolts the night before, then again a few minutes before you back them out.

You will not believe the difference PB makes. Even if you shoot the bolt immediately before trying to back it out. The stuff penetrates that fast. I had a few bolts that would not budge - at all. Then I remembered I hadn't shot them with PB. After I did, the backed right out - like someone had come in and started backing em out already!!!!

Good luck on the swap. (Remember to throw some rags on the open motor - so you don't drop dirt, crud or parts in any openings. And bag all your bolts and screws in labled ziplock bags)

A few guys who post on here (me included) just did an HCI swap this summer. So come back if you hit any other snags.

 

[legalize420]

was i supposed to remove the crankshaft bolt before i removed the serp belt and accesories? im trying to pull the balancer and when i try to losen the crankshaft bolt the whole thing just spins. any suggestions?

 

[super302]

was i supposed to remove the crankshaft bolt before i removed the serp belt and accesories? im trying to pull the balancer and when i try to losen the crankshaft bolt the whole thing just spins. any suggestions?

put the car in 5th gear

 

[legalize420]

put the car in 5th gear

thank you

 

[Joes95GT]

PB blaster ain't gonna help on the head bolts - they aren't rusted. You just need a big breaker bar.

If you don't have one of them, use the bar you're using and put a tube around it to give you more leverage.

Joe

 

[GRGT1994]

PB blaster ain't gonna help on the head bolts - they aren't rusted.

I hear you, but it still helps. They are torqued in good, and a little lube never hurts.

 

[legalize420]

i got them out using the handle from my floor jack for levrage

 

[mo_dingo]

i got them out using the handle from my floor jack for levrage

Whatever works to get you the leverage. Yeah those stock bolts are torqued to 30ft.lbs or so, then tightened another 90* (torque to yield). So they are really on there.
Scott