Expert: jack bahm - 5/5/2011

Question
QUESTION: Jack,

Ok, I'll keep squirting and giving it time and push hard.  I got some of that liquid wrench and soak it in there good.  I'll put some more on in the coming days and keep trying to break it loose.  If it does come to taking the head and pan off, how nasty would that be?  Would it be something that I would want a shop to do or could I handle it at home?  I have a good amount of tools and I would like to do it myself to save some money.  Hopefully I can just break it loose and get it going, that would save me a lot of trouble.

ANSWER: If you have never been into an engine, you better get some help from someone who has experience. If you can find a Model A club near you, join it and tell them your problem. Get the Les Andrews model A handbook from one of the parts suppliers, or from MARC. It will show you how to do most of it. Costs about $35 and it is worth it.
Push hard.
Good luck and let me know how you make out.
Jack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok I'll get on that.  What exactly will I be trying to do by getting in there?  Will I just be trying to break it free or will I be looking for something else?

Answer
First take the head off. Since it has been on there for many years, it will be hard to get it off. Look for the write up I did on this subject some time ago. I give some hints and what to look for. I hope you can find it. Anyway, get the head off and look in the cylinders. If you find a ton of rust, then the pan comes off and the pistons come out. Big job. With the head off, you may be able to tap on each piston with a hammer handle and break them loose. If you are successful, then put on a new gasket and torque the head down and give it a try.
Good luck.
Jack

Here is what I wrote before:The best advice I can give you is that you will have to "worry"it off the block.  Have patience and just stay with it.  Use several small screw drivers and putty knives to work your way around it.  Be careful not to damage the head or crack it.  Have some oak dowels or wood scraps ready to put in the crack when you do get it raised a little.  This is to keep you from smashing your fingers. Another trick is to stuff in a soft rope into the plug holes and turn the engine and have the pistons push it up against the rope.  It will come off.  
jack