Advice removing heads from 360

[Zaphod]

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:

New item by Greg Schwartz

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Thanks.

 

[dano]

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.

 

[413]

Shall we go over this head gasket problem, so maybe you don't do this for nothing?

 

[Zaphod]

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.

 

[junkyardhero]

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.

 

[Ironmike]

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.

 

[AJ/FormS]

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.