Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Any tips for loosening the head post nut removal? I am making progress on my tear down and appreciate any and all suggestions that keep me from doing unnecessary damage.

Crank the motor … compression usually will pop it up.

Wood wedges.

You would be amazed what I used on my 1951's head when I pulled it off the other day! I broke it free using one of the tools used for removing wood molding which is like a stiff putty knife with a handle that can be tapped.

Once free, as I worked it upward, I added first large screwdrivers, then their handles, a wood handle of a hammer and even a large log-splitting wedge to keep it up! Ultimately I had to climb in there and lift the rest of the way by hand, no easy task due to the height of the car and my age but it actually didn't take long.

I'd loosen all the nuts and apply penetrating oil to the studs under the nuts and let it sit overnight, then begin the removal operations. If the head is tight on the studs, I'd make every effort to try to lift it as straight up and as evenly as possible. It will bind on the studs if it doesn't come straight up, and it could crack if too much force is applied at any one point, due to being so long from front to back.

Go to a hardware store and get a pack of wooden wedges for fitting door frames.
Use a stiff putty knife to get started and use the wedges around the edges of the head to lift it enough to get a hold of it.
I also made two T handles from 2 spark plugs and 1/2 inch bar stock to lift heads off once broken loose.

John