I asked this question in another thread and got no answer. Since I plan on having the valves done on the other head in the future, i'd like to know the answer in advance so I know how to prepare.

QUESTION: is it possible to remove and replace a head with gasket of course without completely removing the intake manifold. When I did the left head, the removal and replacement of the intake manifold with all the wires and hoses is what took most of my time.

Is it possible (has it been done by some of you) to just remove the bolts holding the manifold and lift it an inch or so without disconnecting everything and be able to remove and replace the head? It would seem possible to me but what do i know...

Thanks in advance.

is it possible to remove and replace a head with gasket of course without completely removing the intake manifold.

 

It is the same question as: can I do one head on a V-8 without removing the intake?

 

I can reply to the second question, but not the first, because I have not worked flat rate on Subaru cars.

 

Reply to second question:

Yes it is possible, and I have done it, under "used car" conditions.

 

But the un-asked question (so far):

Would you do it to your own car?

 

No.

But the un-asked question (so far):

Would you do it to your own car?

 

No.

+1 to that. Just remove the manifold, replace both HGs and be done with it.

 

Steve

I *guess*, if determined enough, you could drop the exhaust, and pull the heads out the bottom, replacement the same way as it came out, gooping (Permatex #2 or Aviation goop) the manifold before head installation. Not sure it would save a lot of time, and certainly "what better time to replace hardened/cracked vacuum lines, than a valve job?"

The main question here is are you doing the HG's with the motor in or out of the car. If in the car deff. pull the intake. If out of the car don't waste your time pulling the intake. Just unbolt it from both heads and use a block of wood or something to hold the intake up out of your way while you R&R the head. I can't tell you the last time that I saw someone that has done these more than one time take the intake off. I personally can't even tell you how many I have done. Alot of times you can wind up doing more harm than good disturbing the hoses and connections under the intake.

The main question here is are you doing the HG's with the motor in or out of the car. If in the car deff. pull the intake. If out of the car don't waste your time pulling the intake. Just unbolt it from both heads and use a block of wood or something to hold the intake up out of your way while you R&R the head. I can't tell you the last time that I saw someone that has done these more than one time take the intake off. I personally can't even tell you how many I have done. Alot of times you can wind up doing more harm than good disturbing the hoses and connections under the intake.

 

And in case you haven't pulled the motor to do them, try it. It turns out soooo much easier.

pull the engine and do the job right. with the engine out, you can replace the separator plate and rear main seal in the rear.

pull the engine and do the job right. with the engine out, you can replace the separator plate and rear main seal in the rear.

Thanks for all answers.

The fact is I did all of that and more when I had the valves done on the left head : motor out, intake removed, timing belt, all idlers, tensionner, seals, O rings, rear main, separator plate (it was the plastic one of course but was not leaking; since I had the new part, I replaced it anyway), plugs, cables, all of the clutch components, flywheel resurfaced, etc. All of the vac hoses were OK.

I was asking the question cause I want to do the valves on the right head also as preventive maintenance (nothing wrong with them right now) and was wondering if I had to go to all the trouble just to remove and replace one head.

Thanks again.

you only did 1/2 a valve job?

 

 

nipper

you only did 1/2 a valve job?

 

 

nipper

 

Ya. A question of very limited time, transportation to the machine shop (32 kilometers by bicycle in hilly back country dirt roads) and the fact that the right head compression test had shown 195 psi in no 1, 3 (also in 4) and 120 in no 2 for the left head. In retrospect, it was not a bad decision cause (1) I finished the night before the morning i was due retruning the hoist and (2) the engine runs and idle super smooth since.

I'll probably do the other head next spring. No garage.

I'll probably try doing it with engine in the car and without removing the intake completely. I'll report on how it went.