86 Supra head removal
 

I removed all 14 head bolts and the head is loose to a point where I can rock it but cannot lift it off. Am I missing something, I don't know whats holding it down. There are 3 14 mm allen bolts, 1 between each pair of spark plugs. The shop manual does not say to remove these and they are very tight. I don't want to break them and it seems like they are not holding the head down because as tight as they are I don't think the head would move. Can anyone help?
Thanks,

Bill

Heh, you removed the timing belt, right? (sorry, couldn't resist)


It may be sticking on the dowel pins used to align the head or could simply be that the gasket is holding it all together like double stick tape. The three plugs on top are not the issue. Are you sure all the coolant hoses have been disconnected?

With mine I used a small screwdriver like pry bar at the front of the engine to lift the head until the it broke the seal then I was able to lift it free without much trouble... but there didn't seem to have been any sealant/dressing used when it had been installed.

Two people makes the job easier too... connect some chain or rope to the head on the exhaust side and on the intake side in the front and back using bolts in the threaded holes for the intake and exhaust manifold, but a 2x4 through the loops and each of you lift straight up.

Yes, I removed the timing belt. (I guess I had that one coming). I'll try the chain thing but it sure seems like somethings holding it as I can rock it pretty much. Does the intake manifold have to come off? The book says no but is there something directly underneath the intake manifold that I'm not seeing?
Thanks again for the help!

Bill

I can't think of anything which you would be hanging up on other than the harness getting in the way where it runs along the firewall or where some wires run down and connect below the intake... you sure you got all the wiring disconnected?

Got it loose with your help. THANKS! Still two wires connected under the intake manifold. One has a green plug with what looks like a lock ring. Any thoughts ? Did you take the IM off when you did yours?
Thanks,

Bill

Yeah, I took the intake off before I pulled the head out... made it easier to deal with the wiring.