Mike,

Thanks, that's just what I was looking for.  The "ears", how far(in inches) from the outside (outer
or top) edge of the cylinders are they?  I don't see them but I haven't pulled the head too far out
yet either.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 8:16 PM
Subject: Re: Removing watercooled cyl heads, engine in car

> The cylinders have "ears" near the head.  I have successfully used an open
> end wrench as a fulcrum to pry them apart.
>
> Make sure that neither piston on that side is at its lowest point of travel
> so that a small amount of movement of the cylinder won't cause the rings to
> pop out the bottom of the cylinder.
>
> Mike
> '84 GL 7 pass
> '85 GL Westy
>
>
> > First time I've removed the cylinder heads with the engine in the car,
> > 1983 watercooled.  I'm on the
> > #1 & #2 side, I've separated the cylinder head about 3/4" from the
> > block(water jacket) and I can see
> > the cylinders moving with the cylinder head...ie they are sticking to the
> > cylinder head.
> >
> > I thought I'd stop at this point and ask for some unsticking cylinder
> > heads tips.  I've sprayed
> > WD-40 like substance as much as I could, I've tapped lightly on the
> > cylinder head hoping the
> > vibration might free up the rust.  I may take a piece of wood and try
> > tapping on the cylinders.
> >
> > Any surefire ideas at this point?  I'm trying to avoid removing the
> > engine, and I'd like to keep the
> > cylinders from coming out with the head.
> >
> > John