Special Tools needed? (M117 head removal)
 

Do I really need all those special tools they mention in the ETM to remove a cylinderhead??

Probably more, the car has gone a long way since that was written.
Bill

Head removal
 

I agree I get an update on the tools U will need to remove the head.

I pulled the head on my broken motor, mostly to see what it took.

The only real problem I had was trying to get one of the headbolts out that was obstructed by the camshaft, if you don't remove the camshaft towers beforehand.

That being said, I didn't have to release the spring tension on each of the cam rockers, as that engine had died by breaking the cam towers when timing skipped. (Not my fault! Previous owner did it, I swear! :D )

Taking it apart is easy. You want a short 10mm allen key in a socket and that's about it.

If you want to put it back together, you need the two special ones to get the things back together in the right order.

It's a more difficult to get the exhaust manifold off with the head still in the car compared to doing it on a bench. But with some patience it can be done. Have a 6-point 12mm combination wrench and also a 6-point socket with an integral swivel (both from sears).

Some clever guys leave the intake manifold attached to the side they're not removing. The bolts that hold it in place can easily corrode, so removing them requires some care and elbow grease. That's another place where a 6-point socket is a must.

-CTH