6 replies to this topic

[Rickmayne]

[[1994 Classsic cooper 1.3i SPI]]

Hey, just a quickie;
Changing a blown head gasket and this is my first real big job ever done on a car. Managed to strip it down to the point where rockers and push rods are out (with the help of a haynes), but a bit stuck with trying to get the actual head off. Do you need to unbolt the manifold sticking out the back (5 pipes coming out facing the driving compartment, assume its the exhaust manifold so jacking, axle stands and supporting the pipe etc required?) or can i just dislodge the head - the haynes said that it would require a bit of directional force and didn't mention the manifold. The only reason I ask rather than try putting some real force on it first is that I want to avoid damaging the head and if possible and the process of taking the manifold off as it looks a pain in the arse (as far as I can see the bracket which supports the injection air intake will make getting the bolts out tricky).
Many thanks,
Rick

[mcaville]

You will definitely need to unbolt the manifold from the head. The manifold sits on 5 studs that protrude from the head, so even once you've undone these bolts you will still need to slide the manifold at least an inch back towards the bulkhead until it is clear of the studs. Depending on what manifold you have on your car, you will also need to undo the bracket that fixes the manifold to the side of the diff. Once this has been done there should be enough flexibility in the exhaust mounts to move the manifold backwards. If you are trying to lift the head without doing any of this you will also be trying to lift the whole exhaust system with it - which obviously means that the head will hardly budge.

[Darkscamp]

once you've got all the throttle body off and its just the exhaust manifold left on the head. undo the engine steadies and pull the engine forward, this will let the exhaust manifold drop off. oh just on the safe side, take the dizzy cap off.

might be a bit more difficult on a round nose but it works on clubbys and scamps

[mcaville]

Also, why have you taken the rockers and push rods out? If all you are doing is replacing the gasket then this is unecessary. Once the manifold is clear of the studs, the head should just lift off with rockers and pushrods intact. As long as you don't start ramming screwdrivers or pry bars between the head and the block, there shouldn't be any risk of damaging the head. If it is sticking a bit, just keep wiggling it. Or if it still won't go, you could try giving it some gentle taps from the underside with a rubber or hide mallet.

[Darkscamp]

Also, why have you taken the rockers and push rods out? If all you are doing is replacing the gasket then this is unecessary. Once the manifold is clear of the studs, the head should just lift off with rockers and pushrods intact. As long as you don't start ramming screwdrivers or pry bars between the head and the block, there shouldn't be any risk of damaging the head. If it is sticking a bit, just keep wiggling it. Or if it still won't go, you could try giving it some gentle taps from the underside with a rubber or hide mallet.

i have always been taught to take the rockers off first winding them out fully, then take the push rods out in a spinning motion to release them from the cam followers so they dont dislodge. you have to remove the the nuts holding halve the rockers in so why not do it right and remove the rest.

[Cooperman]

I always use screws to fit the manifolds to ther head. The size needed is 5/16" UF x 1.25" long hexagon head screws.
That way I can take the head off without taking the manifolds off or disturbing the carb connections or undoing the bottom exhaust manifold clamp.
Ford used to bolt their manifolds on the Cortina GT and Lotus, and the Mini is much easier to work on if you do this.

[Rickmayne]

Legends, thats just what I needed. Min is now purring like a kitten with laryngitis.
Thx all!