Topic: Head gasket seperation

[riktaboy]

Hey I was wondering if anyone had a good tip or method for separating the valve head off.  I guess when I put it together before I did to good a job with the gasket maker, because i can't seem to get it to separate now,  I pulled and tugged and it pulled up off the lower end but won't separate at the head gasket.  Any tips or pointers where I don't damage stuff would much appreciated.

[nancy]

Haven't done this myself, but the Clymer manual advises using a PUTTY Knife - tap or push this between the surfaces at edge to work the head free.

[fastbroshi]

  Just make sure you get all the nuts/bolts out, maybe give it a couple decent whacks with a rubber hammer all around, it should come free.

[riktaboy]

You would think it would, i whacked it a bunch of time with a rubber mallet, tried getting a flat surface between it, pulled on it so hard it pulled the cylinders up off of the pistons.  Now I gotta put that back together, was gonna try and heat it up next with a torch.  AAArrrrrgggghhhhh

[Gordon]

I'm willing to put some money down that you missed a bolt.  It happens to the best of 'em.  

Also, next time don't use gasket maker/sealer.  It's not necessary and just causes problems like the one you're having now. 

[gane]

if cyl came free of base, that eliminates  cyl studs, does the 550 have studs/nuts fore & aft of cam journal? how about 6 mm bolts at outside of 1 & 4 cyls.  If indeed, all bolts/nuts are out, look for machined  slots @ screwdriver sized between cyl & head at outer area of cyl to head. engines which have been undisturbed for decades often "lock-up" at locating pins, (probly not your' case, but localized heat helps if it is) avoid the temptation to beat/lever at fins. (trust me, it's a lose/lose approch) luck g

[fastbroshi]

  I'd have a glance at a manual if I were you, if just to make sure you got all the fasteners out.  As easy as mine and others' covers have come off, this sounds odd.  Wasn't under the sea was it?

[jvalbuena]

Had a similar problem getting the head off a 750. I got the cyl block off with the head still attached and just could not get the two apart. At the suggestion of a friend and fellow F2 guy, I put the whole thing in a 5 gallon bucket filled with the hottest water that came out of the tap. Then boiled a big pot and poured that in too. I let it sit for a bout 30 min, pulled it out, and gave it a couple of more taps with a  rubber mallet and that did the trick.

[riktaboy]

Literally did a tear down and put it back together less then a year ago.  Thing is being a bugger, but I will try these suggestions and hopefully something will maker give.