24 replies to this topic

[toplessmini]

I have never had to remove shuch a thing but in the comming weeks it must be done.
Can any one offer any advice as to what is needed for the removal and refitting?
Head being removed to get skimmed due to engine over heating.
Many thanks to one and all.............

[jamesmpi]

I'm not just of the exact process (someone might have a step by step somewhere) but there is not an awful lot needed.....although I have actually removed my whole engine and that did invve quite a bit of work.

I would spend 10 mins or so looking over the engine identifying things that are bolted to it or that are blocking it.

Typically it's remove the
Air box or air filter
Disconnect HT leads
Slacken alternator belt
Remove alternator
Uninstall the inlet and exhaust manifold but you shouldn't have to remove completely

[minidaves]

easier than a carb mini in one way
airfilter off
stupid oil breather system disconect pipes with care
remove inlet the fuel pipes push down, the then u push up the plasitc
top rad hose
heater pipes
rocker cover etc
rockers etc
ht leads and mark them
alternator top bolt
an

[bluedragon]

Drain coolant
Remove radiator
Remove thermostat housing
Loosen drive belt
Remove alternator
Disconnect various vacuum and venting hoses

It may be possible to undo the intake/exhaust manifold to head nuts at this point, but I chose to remove the intake manifold. After this, it was very easy to access the hardware, and the exhaust manifold/pipe could easily be swung away from the head.

Disconnect throttle cable and various sensor\electrical lines
Disconnect fuel supply and return lines (if you do this, make sure you have suitable plugs at hand to seal the pipes, and *REMOVE THE FUEL CAP!!!* If you don't remove the fuel cap, the fuel system will keep rebuilding pressure and pushing fuel out the supply line.
Remove intake manifold

The head may seem to be stuck at 1st, in the usual manner - head stuck to an old, mouldy head gasket/block interface. Normal advice is to use a soft hammer, or turn the motor over to break the head free with engine compression.

But I found that in fact it was binding on a stud, and once the stud was removed, the head lifted off freely.

I recommend getting a specific non-marring stud removal tool (5/16" I believe is what is needed for the A-Series head studs. I can check this later if there's any question here.) These tools look like a socket, with an internal rotating clamp to apply pressure when turned.

[toplessmini]

Apart from a new Head Gasket, is there any thing else that is worth changing while the head is off?

[ukcooper]

I allways change the water pump if it's been on a while and you would need a mpi type.

[stitch-86]

My only advice would be; when lifting the head off of the studs try not to put your fingers underneath the head - they are quite heavy and it hurts like hell when you accidently let it slip and crush the very tips of your fingers.

Not that I did that of course................ twice

[bcjames]

Mine came off a few times in a month, so I started using a bungee cord string between the wiper arms and looped under the inlet manifold, holding it all out the way without having to take it apart!

[craig 1010cc]

The 1st thing you should do is disconnect the battery.

Then make sure you know were all the connections go that you remove, make sure you don't lose any of the manifold nuts (they are over £4 each!) and whilst the inlet is off, give it and the TB a good clean out and check the condition off all the breather hoses.

Also, give the adjuster nut on the alternator belt tensioner a good dousing in WD40

[toplessmini]

I recommend getting a specific non-marring stud removal tool (5/16" I believe is what is needed for the A-Series head studs. I can check this later if there's any question here.) These tools look like a socket, with an internal rotating clamp to apply pressure when turned.

So I've finaly got around to remal of my head........................
Only to find it well and truly stuck, I've managed to remove some of the head bolts but need to get hold of one of those stud removal tools.
Any one know what there call, size and where to get one?

Many thanks



P.S

Would this do the job?http://www.halfords....yId_165572#tab1

Edited by toplessmini, 19 September 2012 - 12:16 PM.

[mrducati]

So I've finaly got around to remal of my head........................
Only to find it well and truly stuck, I've managed to remove some of the head bolts but need to get hold of one of those stud removal tools.
Any one know what there call, size and where to get one?

The head is supposed to come of without having to remove the studs. However the head is often so accutomed to sit on the block, that it can be hard to remove as you have experienced. I don't have much advise on how to overcome this problem except I know one is supposed to resist the temptation to use a screwdriver or similar to pry them apart because the head is easily chiped. Mine came of when I used the inlet and outlet port on one side as a holding grip.

If the studs are damaged, you could try screwing on two nuts (not tight) onto the treads on the stud, and afterwards use a spanner on the lower of the two and unbolt the studs. Hope this can help you. Good luck!

[craig 1010cc]

if you've got a wodden/rubber mallet, try giving the underside of the head a tap up (by the waterpump) should shock it free. If a cheap headgasket has been used in the past, they can almost glue the head and block together and be a real pain to split and then clean up the faces afterwards

[bluedragon]

If the two-nut technique doesn't work, then get a tool like this:

http://www.uktools.c...ter-p-8891.html

Perhaps one can be rented or borrowed, if you don't see yourself removing studs all that often. It does make it very, very easy and saves time if you've got stubborn cases of stuck studs...

[toplessmini]

Head almost off, can any one tell me where to get a gasket from?
Minispares have none in stock and Minisport don't list an MPI one?

[1275GTS]

Try minits they are my preffered supplier.

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