Head bolt tool.

[gvr4ever]

I'm getting ready to pull the head. I've never done it, so this is probably a stupid question, but....

Is there a quality head bolt tool I could get at the parts store? What size is it?

Also, what are the bolt looking things in the middle of the head? The manuals just show removing the 10 outer bolts.

Last question, what is a good gasket scraper or product to use on the block?

Thanks

 

[DynastyLCD]

the head bolts are a 10mm allen key. i prefer to use a 10mm, 1/2" drive allen key socket with a breaker bar. loosen them all same pattern as tightening head bolts, i like to loosen them all 1/4 turn then take them out completely. the 10 head bolts are all that is neccesary to remove it. as for cleaning the block, a brown cookie wheel will do just fine.

 

[5OF2k]

Agreed, only the outer bolts and in the proper sequence, shouldnt have a problem at all.

As far as cleaning the block goes, once you hve the head off of the car, plug the oil and coolant galleys with papertowel so chunks of what youre scraping off dont get caught in the cooling system or oil drain/feed galleys for the head. It also might be a good idea to get a larger sanding block and some 120/180 grot sandpaper to "resurface" the block once you have the chunks of the old gasket off. I like to start by going side to side, then up and down, then doagonally left to right, and finally right to left.

Granted, it may not be 100% necessary, but it DOES give the block somewhat of a crosshatch and clean/level mating surface for the new gasket to adhere to. Also a good idea to do it to the head a bit too, nothing too excessive, just enough to scuff the surface.

Other than that, take your time and follow the instructions to a T, you'll be just fine!

-Jake

 

[Jason G.]

FWIW, I'm not a fan of the craftsman 10mm sockets that neck down to a smaller size towards the socket end. #96 had some stubborn bolts that broke several of those craftsman. ymmv, I don't know if they revised those sockets or not.

 

[pot]

Agreed, either SnapOn or the mainstream tool truck variety.