Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

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[email protected]
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Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by [email protected] »

3sge sw20 rev2 engine

I'm at the point where I'm taking the exhaust manifold off from above and below the car.

I'm failing to see how I can remove the cam belt and pulleys etc... with the space next to the rear shock.

is it possible or should I just remove the engine?
thomp1983
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by thomp1983 »

It can be done but it's not much more work to drop the engine it depends what work your planning really
[email protected]
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by [email protected] »

All I wanted to do was change all the gaskets and inspect the pistons. I think they are fine but you never know.

The main mission is to change the valve stem seals.. so I wanted to remove the cylinder head.. which means I may as well change the Cam Belt at the same time.

But the space is a joke and it dawned on me just now, will I be able to do it?
pbmr2
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by pbmr2 »

Yeah did it on my old rev2 when the headgasket went. Loads of work but it's possible.

If you have the space to drop the engine it would save you lots of time.
craig
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by craig »

Yes it can.
Draven
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by Draven »

As craig said it can be done, I would remove the engine though much easier in the long run.
abovetherim
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by abovetherim »

It can be done but will require the timing belt end mount removing and the engine then lowered and raised to to get to various bolts.

As said it will be easier for a newb to drop the engine and box out. This will help when it come to reassembly and timing alignment.

When you do it it will be worthwhile changing water pump.

Get genuine head gasket set which will have all the seals you will need I clouding the valve stem seals. (Tcbparts).

If you search engine removal you will see how others have done it.

Buy yourself a tap and die set and some good metal drill bits.
Use a good penetrant ( not wd40) like 3in1 brand penetrant.
Find a download for the bgb (tech manual)
2mad
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by 2mad »

theres a lovehoursepower.com vid from time back showing this done ..




Good luck .


It can do done :thumleft:
2mad
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by 2mad »

Found part 2 get searching bud .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPiuC37I_jU
alanmr2turbo
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by alanmr2turbo »

2mad wrote:Found part 2 get searching bud .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPiuC37I_jU


He don't have the 3sgte. It's even easier to take the head off his car being an N/A and no need to take engine out.
2mad
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by 2mad »

alanmr2turbo wrote:
2mad wrote:Found part 2 get searching bud .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPiuC37I_jU


He don't have the 3sgte. It's even easier to take the head off his car being an N/A and no need to take engine out.




Just thought it would be similar 8-[ ... it looks incredibly difficult .. fingers crossed for op :thumleft:
abovetherim
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by abovetherim »

The other alternative to pulling the head just to do the stem seals is to leave the head on any fill the piston chamber with nylon rope, then use a special spring compressor to get to the seals one at a time. But much better to drop the engine and replace as many seals as possible and inspect/clean everything.
Bearing in mind the newbieness things like bolt removal, static timing, torquing and everything else is so much easier with the lump on an engine stand.
[email protected]
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by [email protected] »

Serious thank you for the youtube video. Mine doesn't have a turbo or the other things. But it's kind of similar. Very helpful. Gonna have a good run on weekend
outrun
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by outrun »

Yep, can be done but it is a squeeze.
Think about all the cars that hev the timing belt replaced in situ.
2mad
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Re: Is it possible to take the cylinder head off without taking the engine out?

Post by 2mad »

[email protected] wrote:Serious thank you for the youtube video. Mine doesn't have a turbo or the other things. But it's kind of similar. Very helpful. Gonna have a good run on weekend



Hoped it would be of help :D .. and no worries mate :thumleft:
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