Removal of head fromBrum

[Deleted User]

After removing all cylinder head nuts and gently prising I find I cannot move the head in the slightest. Kicking it over under compression does nothing and I have let penetrating oil down the head studs numerous times. Short of taking off barrels and knocking off head with wooden blocks does anyone have a suggestion. The bike has few miles and very good compression hence my reluctance to remove barrels. I am just trying to install a new headgasket as old one was weeping a bit. All electrics are repaired and working just fine.
regards
Brian

[dave bushell]

Hi Brian
Very difficult with everything in situ. You could try heating the head with a small propane torch to break the corrosion bond between the studs and the head.
One trick that I employed many years ago, was to feed some window sash cord down the spark plug holes and out through the transfer ports (you will have to do one cylinder at a time), I then threaded each cord through a thick washer of suitable size, tied a knot so that the cord would not pull through the washer and pulled the washers up to under the plug holes. Tie the cords to a suitable bar above the head, and with the aid of a friend, you may be able to lift the head. If you are on your own, use a long bar, block it up at one end and lever up from the other end.
Be careful not to pull the bike off it’s stand!
Dave

[Ted Robinson]

@dave bushell wrote:

Hi Brian
Very difficult with everything in situ. You could try heating the head with a small propane torch to break the corrosion bond between the studs and the head.
One trick that I employed many years ago, was to feed some window sash cord down the spark plug holes and out through the transfer ports (you will have to do one cylinder at a time), I then threaded each cord through a thick washer of suitable size, tied a knot so that the cord would not pull through the washer and pulled the washers up to under the plug holes. Tie the cords to a suitable bar above the head, and with the aid of a friend, you may be able to lift the head. If you are on your own, use a long bar, block it up at one end and lever up from the other end.
Be careful not to pull the bike off it’s stand!
Dave

Hi, Brian, If the head is just weeping a bit on the outside I would live with it, or seal it with a smear of LSX or silicone sealant it will probably seal itself when you have used the bike for a while. If it is leaking on the inside
obviously you will have to replace the gasket. I never remove the cylinder head just the barrels with the head attached.
Ted.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the imput fellows, I have tried the heat to no avail so have decided to remove barrels as well. Will give me a chance to check on other parts of the bike and paint barrels as well. I am assuming I have to remove the alternator housing from the near side and only distributor from off side. Seems to be no other way to get at the 4 bolts holding the barrels. Will keep you posted on progress or lack thereof.
Brian

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