Advice removing heads from 360

-

Zaphod

Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2018
Messages
11
Reaction score
1
Location
MA
So I'm trying a big project outside my comfort zone. I've got a 1967 Barracuda with a 360, and I believe this engine has blown a head gasket, so I'm looking to replace them.

I've run into a problem where the headers do not give me clearance to reach the head bolts, the last one on the dirver's side in particular, even when the headers are disconnected from the head, and the Y connector.

It looks like I either need to remove the steering gear box and shaft, or disconnect the motor mounts and jack up the motor to get a few inches. I'd like recommendations on the best way to proceed.

Photo of the clearance issue:

Thanks.
 
Yes, you'll need to get the car about 3ft off the ground, Unbolt the passenger motor mount, disconnect the header from the exhaust, maybe pull the starter, and either unbolt the pitman and idle arms and let the steering linkage drop down or disconnect the steering if it passes through the header. Jack the motor over off the pan rail or pan using a large block of wood (as to not crush the pan) and pull the header out from the bottom. If you have a Zbar that need removed too.
 
Shall we go over this head gasket problem, so maybe you don't do this for nothing?
 
Shall we go over this head gasket problem, so maybe you don't do this for nothing?
Sure.

Engine is running a bit rough, overheating. Removed thermostat and tested it, opens correctly. Checked coolant, appears to be flowing correctly. Attempted to remove air from the system using funnel. Exhaust gasses continuously coming out of the coolant system. With the cap on, the coolant system way over pressurizes.
 
Sure.

Engine is running a bit rough, overheating. Removed thermostat and tested it, opens correctly. Checked coolant, appears to be flowing correctly. Attempted to remove air from the system using funnel. Exhaust gasses continuously coming out of the coolant system. With the cap on, the coolant system way over pressurizes.
solid start, but i'd go a little deeper and do a compression test and maybe a leak down depending on the results of the that.

for me, i want to know what's cookin' when i open it up. that way if i see something different or unexpected i can adjust my approach.

also, nothing sucks worse than doing a head gasket only to find out that you've got a cracked head... which you find out after getting it all back together.
 
In a Demon/Dart, all you need to do is detach 1 side of the motor mount, jack up that side a bit, and remove the bolts. Repeat on other side.
Don't think your engine compartment is THAT much tighter.
 
Shall we go over this head gasket problem, so maybe you don't do this for nothing?
solid start, but i'd go a little deeper and do a compression test and maybe a leak down depending on the results of the that.

for me, i want to know what's cookin' when i open it up. that way if i see something different or unexpected i can adjust my approach.

also, nothing sucks worse than doing a head gasket only to find out that you've got a cracked head... which you find out after getting it all back together.
In a Demon/Dart, all you need to do is detach 1 side of the motor mount, jack up that side a bit, and remove the bolts. Repeat on other side.
Don't think your engine compartment is THAT much tighter.

I agree.
 
Be careful when you jack up the motor. My distributor cap gets pretty close to the firewall. I just remove the cap, also if the fan is still on it. Watch the fan shroud, the fan might hit it. What’s the oil look like?
 
Do you have the header disconnected from the exhaust under the car?
 
Cap clearance looks ok. Only has an electric fan. One of the headers is disconnected at the Y, will do the other before using the jack. This weekend I'll be getting to the driver's side motor mount. It appears to be larger than any socket I own, so I'll add it to the parts store list.
 
Cap clearance looks ok. Only has an electric fan. One of the headers is disconnected at the Y, will do the other before using the jack. This weekend I'll be getting to the driver's side motor mount. It appears to be larger than any socket I own, so I'll add it to the parts store list.

Is it mixing oil and water? Is it smoking out the exhaust?

What do you know about that electric fan? How many CFM does the fan pull?
 
like you said, you really want the headers floating free. I just jack it up and slip a block of wood between the motor mount and the K frame. I also open the block drains, keeps water out of the cylinders when you pull the head. They are heavy so have a plan where you are going to put it after you pop it off. I put a BUNCH of towels on top of the radiator and nose. Get way in there and pop it off, then place it on the towels. Then get myself upright and pick it up again. Trying to wiggle back out holding the head is a recipe for disaster. For me at least. :)
 
Bolt a chain to the head and use the engine hoist to remove/install the head.

Think ahead to when you are old amd work smart now, your back will thank you.

This worked really good on a BB with AC to snake it around the AC hoses and compressor so I didn't have to take apart working AC
 
-
Back
Top