Cabrio head

[Rosso75@aol.com]

Richard Haroutunian wrote:
"I want to learn how to do it -- and I probably could do it on my own, but
there are a few things I need help with like -- identifying cracks in the
block (if any), using a pressure tester (don't have one and in general -- not
f--king the whole thing up!!
I figure its worth a couple hundred bucks and a constant flow of beer!"
  
   Not "f--king" it up, and a "constant flow of beer" are, in my experience,
mutually exclusive propositions.  I've done a few, but unfortunately I
departed the Bay State several years ago.  
   I don't know what your skill level is but it's not that tough.  The hardest
part is just getting the exhaust manifold bolts out.  They seem to rust into
place more so than most cars I've dealt with for some reason.  It's easy
though.  Pull the t.belt cover, the belt, the valve cover, unbolt a few
cables, wires and hoses, pull the exhaust off the manifold, unbolt the head
and yank it off.  You should be able to pull the head with the intake and
exhaust manifolds attached.  
   As for the cracks, don't worry about finding them in the block.  Worry
about the head.  Besides, that's what machine shops are for.  I'm a firm
believer in letting people with all the right tool and experience do that kind
of stuff.  A good shop should be able to test it for you not only for cracks
but for warpage too, and cheap.  The last head I did was warped and had to be
milled.  I paid less than $100.  And while they're at it, most will pull the
exhaust manifold bolts for you.  
   Of course, if you can wait a few more weeks, I am planning my next trip
back up to Mass.......I can put away my share of beer though  =)
Bryan Carter