[alanmay0]

OK well it looks like I will have to be removing the drivers side head to replace the head gasket due to a leak that is causing my water temp to go way too high.

Keeping in mind that the engine was rebuilt 150 miles ago, can I just remove the head and leave the engine in the car?

If so can i unbolt the exhaust manifold and leave it in the car or should I remove the exhaust manifold along with the head?

Any tips on how to do this?
thanks

[PunchT37]

Have you checked head bolt torque? Grab a torque wrench and check em before you pull the head. Gasket might not be blown. Just a loose head at this point. Won`t cost anything.

[alanmay0]

thanks I will do that.

[PunchT37]

I worked in a shop for 25 years. On problems, especially on customer`s cars/money, start in the shallow side of the pool. Then work yourself deeper.

[PunchT37]

If you do pull the head, if it`s log manifolds, pull the head with the manifold.

[alanmay0]

Don't know what log manifold is but the manifolds on this engine are stock.

[PunchT37]

Originally Posted by alanmay0

Don't know what log manifold is but the manifolds on this engine are stock.

It should be logs.

[tom s]

Before you get too deep LOOK and make sure you can get to all the head bolts.The back lower drivers side can be a HUGE PITA to get out because of everythings that back on that side.Tom

[alanmay0]

still dont know what logs are. do you mean stock exhaust manifold or what?

[PunchT37]

Logs.





Pontiac made ram air manifolds that are not considered log type.

[PunchT37]

Ram air:

[Scott Thelander]

https://www.google.com/search?q=log+...hrome&ie=UTF-8

yes standard manifolds are sometimes referred to as "log manifolds"..

[Scott Thelander]

I got tree'd

[alanmay0]

thanks for the info

[Goatracer1]

I just removed both heads with the engine in the car with no problems. If you can get at the exhaust manifold bolts leave them attached to the exhaust pipes and disconnect them from the head. If you can't pull the rear head bolt all the way out just unscrew it and pull it up slightly and use an elastic to hold it up while you lift out the head. Put the head bolt back in the head and again use the elastic to hold it up when you put the head back on.

[geeteeohguy]

It's an easy on-car job. A helpful hint: take two pieces of all-thread about 6 or 8 inches long and screw them into the block at opposite ends of the head. That way, when you are leaning over the fender with an 80 pound head in your hands, you can plop it onto the engine using the rods as guides so the head doesn't slip down and ruin your new and expensive gasket. Unscrew the studs and install the head bolts and you're off.

[alanmay0]

thanks for the info.