Pulling cylinders

[jpaul]

I have to tear down three engines over the next year to replace gaskets and do some repairs. While I was moving the 1100 engine on my bench I managed to bust off a chunk of fin when I hit something. My question is this; how do you get the cylinder block off without breaking any more fins? Do I need to get any special tools to accomplish this?

[MissFabulous]

Did you break a chunk off because the weight made it hard to handle? If so, then what it comes down to is having something to take some of the weight off your hands.

Ok, you know I know nothing here compared to most, but that's why I'm planning in advance. I have a big solid beam in my barn to which I'm going to set up the best pully system I can manage. Still don't want to somehow end up with it swinging pendulously enough to clock me in the head and knock me out, and I want to have a good plan for getting it out without hitting anything yet still at least partially suspended. I think having a friend around will be greatly helpful.

I'm getting friendly with a collision shop right down the street so I plan on picking their brains about the easiest and most reliable ways to go about this. My retired neighbor also has some kind of rig I'm going to pick his brains about.

Obviously I don't have much here to offer, but I am going to be watching this thread very closely to see how others do it.

[jpaul]

I had a pint can of solvent on the bench and when I moved the engine the fin came down on the edge of the can instead of next to it. I know that you have to be careful not to break the fins when pulling the cylinders, I just don't know how to accomplish the job without screwing up. This will be the first time pulling an engine down this far, and I'd like to keep my screwups to a minimum. I generally know my limitations as a mechanic; I know enough to know how much money I can save, and just enough to get in over my head before calling for help. I just thought I'd try something different and call for help before I mess something up that's going to cost money I don't have.

[chef1366]

If you have the engine out you should be able to do it with no problem. Get a friend to help put the cylinder back over the piston rings. It's easier that way.
Check my response in parts for sale section.

[Hap Call]

I use a rubber mallet to bop against the cylinders at a 90 degree angle to the centerlines of the bores. I've never broke a fin that way.

Hap

[RacingJake]

It may just be the base gasket is sealing really good.

You can spray some WD40 or whatever down the all the studs, sometimes there's rust/corrsion at the base plus sometimes the 2 centering dowells that center the block to the cases can bind too. Usually just rocking the block back and forth and side to side with your hands will break it free.

[Road_Clam]

I have to tear down three engines over the next year to replace gaskets and do some repairs. While I was moving the 1100 engine on my bench I managed to bust off a chunk of fin when I hit something. My question is this; how do you get the cylinder block off without breaking any more fins? Do I need to get any special tools to accomplish this?

My cyl was a little stubborn coming off also, but severall smacks with a heavy plastic mallet proved to be victorious!

[jpaul]

Thanks for the advice. I was hoping the solution was something simple like that. Looks like a trip to Harbor Freight is coming up.