om617.952 head won't come off
 

Hey, I pulled off the valve train, head bolts, manifold, power steering/fuel filter block, water pump oil feed, rear strap, and something's still holding the head on in front. I can pull the rear up a bit. Also, I undid all valve parts and removed the springs. Can't believe it won't come off yet.

Any suggestions what to look for?

thanks
S

Did you remove the pin that holds the chain guide?

There are 3 or 4 small 6mm bolts in the front of the head. look down inside the chain galley and you will see at least 2 of them, and there is one or 2 on the outside.

Charlie

If you are sure that you've got all of the bolts out =>

Crank the engine over by hand - now that the valve train is off - you'll get a little bit of compression that will help pop the head off.

Make sure the timing chain doesn't get tangled when you do this. Being lazy and using the starter instead of a ratchet handle might make an expensive comedy moment. Consider yourself warned.

The head is possibly stuck to the head gasket that is possibly stuck to the block.

Gentle taps with a rubber hammer can also help.

Just removed one myself today. Like Charlie said, 2 bolts down inside timing chain gallery, on front of head and there is 2 on left side (P/S pump side) on outside of head. 1 of them is actually around on backside of timing chain gallery.

The bolts are labled as "a" in the FSM headbolt tightening diagram. And others have said there are two in the engine and two on the outside.

Question- Are these bolts labled "a" long enough that dropping down into the engine uppon removal is not a risk? I would imagine they must at least be as long as the head is tall, right? Just asking because I am about to pull the head on my 240D

Fencing pliers
 

When I was removing one of those heads in the pick, I ran into the same issue. I tried all the tricks I had rad about but nothing was cooperating. I could not find a spot to get a wedge in there to break the seal. Those castings are exact. I did notice a small piece of flashing on the front leg of the head. I used the pick under the flashing, and used a long head bolt across the water pump and the vacuum pump to pry against. Couple of jerks, and the head was loose.

Hammerwerfer

Anything dropped down in the engine is a bad thing. maybe stick some rags in there to catch one if you drop it. I have one of those telescoping magnets (actually got it a Sears a couple yrs back when they were 99¢ ea, now about $2) stick it down next to the bolt and it will hold it as you lift it out. they are strong for their size.


Charlie