Expert: Brad Sears - 1/9/2010

Question
Hello Mr.Sears, I am making this inquiry for my brother who does not have home computer access. He has tried everything he knows of to remove the head on his '35 Nash, is there any trick to removing it? This is an untouched original car in unbelievably fantastic shape which drove the 300 mile trek to it's new home at my brother's and was parked for 5 years now. It appears that it wishes to stay in it's original state as it doesn't want to give up anything! LOL! Someone told my brother something about filling the motor with fluid and it might force it to pop off? I'm sorry I'm only the car-challenged sister who is trying to help. It is really a beautiful car and I hate seeing it sit collecting dust in the garage! Thanks for any help you can offer! Diane

Answer
I am not a fan of filling the motor with fluid and trying to force the head off. This can cause damage to the mechanical parts of the engine inside. I usually use a putty knife and tap it in at the corners of the head to break the seal between the gasket and the head. If the head is held on with studs I mix up a little acetone and automatic transmission fluid and soak the studs so that the fluid will work down the studs. In severe cases when the engine will run I have been known to loosen the head bolts/nuts one or two turns and start the engine. This has been known to blow the head free of its seal. However make sure that all THE HEAD BOLTS/NUTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED. Sometimes there are hidden ones.
Brad