Cylinder head and PCV Qs

[cwb]

I have two questions:

1. I posted yesterday saying I'd blown a head gasket or something worse. I've pulled everything off except the head itself and can't figure out how to make the head let go--it's stuck and won't budge even though I've put some considerable force on it and sprayed it with PB Blaster. Can I tear up the head by sticking a hammer handle into one of the ports and leveraging?

2. Can you safely plug the PCV valve if you've desmogged?

You guys are a great group--thanks a lot for all your advice and help.

 

[swank60]

Not sure about the head. I've used various means to pull heads loose in the past though - rubber mallets, etc. Whatever you use, make sure it'll give out before the head gets damaged. Seems like I've also heard of people turning the engine over and using the compression of the pistons to help blow the seal.

On the PCV, you want to keep that active. that releases pressure that's built up in the crank case due to heat. Plug it up and you'll see an increased oil consumption, etc.

 

[swank60]

I was thinking last night about turning the engine over and having the pistons blow the head seal - there may be concern about your rods (for the valves, not the push rods) Maybe you need to disconnect them - would help with the compression by keeping the valves closed - but I think the worry is in bending them.

Proceed with caution is all I'm saying.