Topic: 1973 CB350F Engine Tear Down Issue

[02z06dave]

I'm in the process of getting a 350f engine apart. I was struggling to get the cylinders to budge so I went ahead and disassembled the bottom end thinking that maybe I could tap the bottom of the cylinder sleeves to get the cylinders off of the top case. What I currently have is the top engine case empty with the cylinders attached and 3 of the 4 pistons with connecting rods in the cylinders. At first I didn't think this engine had been apart before, but it seems like someone glued the cylinders as they just won't budge. I tried tapping them at first, then frustration led to hitting them pretty hard, but all that has been accomplished is one of the sleeves is starting to slide out. The cylinders are still stuck right to the upper case and haven't moved at all. I am not new to engine disassembly, I've done at least 100, but this is a first as far as cylinder being stuck. Has anyone encountered this before? Any suggestions at all? I really would like to salvage these parts as there are no broken fins and the engine had decent compression and there is no case damage.
Thanks,
Dave

[calj737]

Use a propane torch along the seam. You won't damage the cases. Get them very hot and use a rubber mallet judiciously tapping as you go. There should also be a small pry wedge at either end you can use a wooden shim to help persuade them apart.

Heat and patience are you best tools here.

[02z06dave]

Thanks. Heat did the trick