Topic: any tips for seperating the head from the block

[the technological J]

ive done everything... i even broke a few fins trying to pry it... the block pulled off the  pistons but i cant get this this thing apart.... there are only 6 bolts(4 under the pucks and two by the cam chains) holding it together right?

 the pistons look terrible and theres a gouge in one of the cylinders

[lucky]

Broke a FEW fins!!! wow.

Usually a large rubber mallet to keep from damaging the cylinder head.

Clymer's manual Page 87. Illustration #42 Shows 22 nuts and bolts.
2 bolts and 20 nuts.

But wait....You did not even tell us which engine!

[tlbranth]

It's been years since I had the engine apart but it seems there were a couple of fairly well hidden nuts or bolts that held the head on. Look up from the bottom. If you're sure you have all the fasteners off, try hammering a hard wooden wedge in there. Someone here will know for sure what the bolt pattern is.

[Tugboat]

Heat gun + rubber mallet + patience.

[madmtnmotors]

Find the remaining bolts. There are some bolts that are NOT studs and do not extend all the way to the crankcase, they only extend through the head into the cylinder block.

[the technological J]

am i missing something?
 the yellow are the stud nuts i removed
the light blue and orange are the bolts under the puck anf the darker blue are also the bolts

manual Page 87. Illustration #42 Shows 22 nuts and bolts.
2 bolts and 20 nuts.

 so if im not mistaken 16 yellow, 4 light blue and orange, and 2 darker blue makes 22

[madmtnmotors]

tj,
   Good schematic, I believe you have found all of the bolts. Just wanted to make sure before you continued exerting force trying to seperate the two. Sorry I don't have any tried and true method for seperating such well mated parts, other than patience. Keep us posted.

[MCRider]

IMO you have all the bolts out. I would not hit the fins with anything yet (too late). I use a teeny tiny chisel, 1/8 or 3/16",  placed right into the head gasket. Probably in the rear first. Tap it with a solid hammer till you hear the tone change meaning the gasket has let go. Then work around.

Do not go deep with the chisel, just enough for a tone change, 1/4' or less. Last resort to do this, can't be helped.

Usually it just pulls apart.

[lucky]

am i missing something?
 the yellow are the stud nuts i removed
the light blue and orange are the bolts under the puck anf the darker blue are also the bolts

manual Page 87. Illustration #42 Shows 22 nuts and bolts.
2 bolts and 20 nuts.

 so if im not mistaken 16 yellow, 4 light blue and orange, and 2 darker blue makes 22

Looks like you got it right.
When you hit the cylinder block tap it on the sides too because although it has locating dowels there is some movement, and when you tap it from different sides
It will help break the bond. Big wide rubber mallet.

When you hit the fins p or down is when they break.
Just hit the sides.

[camelman]

I usually tap a thin knife blade between the mating parts in situations like this. Put the edge of the blade in the middle of the gasket and gently tap it. If the parts don't come apart, then you still have a tight bolt in there.

I haven't hurt any mating surfaces by doing this yet and I've used this technique for years.