Cylinder head gasket replacement

[Sunwhite]

Hi, I'm attempting to replace the Cylinder head gaskets on my 1988 3.5L EFI Rangie...I'm down to removing the 14 cylinder head bolts but..... they wont budge...No 1 on each side I can loosen.. but no 2 down by the spark plugs is solid on both sides and with my 1/2 inch socket set and a bar over the handle taking the length out to over 500mm nothing happens....it feels very close to breaking either the bolt or my socket bar....Liberal applications of 'freeze and release' have done nothing...Any ideas anyone???



I wondered about a 3/4" socket and bar but the last thing I want is to shear of the head bolts....

Also no 2 bolt is about the easiest one to get at out of those lower bolts..the back ones towards the cabin look a lot harder to get a swing at.

Help!!!



Cheers, Brian

[Kevin88RRC]

Soak them in PB Blaster and try a longer breaker bar. Also remember they need to come off in a specific order listed in the shop manual.

[p76rangie]

Because they are steel bolts into an alloy block, they can seize up. Be careful that you don't destroy the thread getting them undone. Sometimes attempting to tighten them frees them up.

[Sunwhite]

Thanks Kevin and Ian...I will try both suggestions...but yes I am concerned about stripping the thread or shearing the bolts. Cheers Brian

[Sunwhite]

Done!! a longer breaker bar and about a yard of water pipe over the end, a lot of muscle and a couple of hernias did the trick. :-)
They came out clean without problem once they moved. Thanks all for your helpful comments. Cheers, Brian