Atomic 4 rebuild - Head removal

Atomic 4 head - bolts out

 As a non-mechanic, removing the Atomic 4 head had a very high nifty-factor. This is my first glimpse into the belly of the beast!

Removal of the head was somewhat difficult. There may be a better way to do it than mine!

I attempted to remove the remaining twelve nuts holding on the head. Only about half of the nuts came off easily. The other half brought the studs (threaded on both sides) with them because they were seized on.

Atomic 4 head - Half off

My plan, once I have more stripped off, is to take the block to an engine mechanic for some general advice on whether to extract those remaining pins and how to generally proceed.


The head was difficult to remove because of the remaining pins. I had to pry around the edge with a large screwdriver (trying not to damage the head surface) and then I used a wooden block placed under the thermostat housing to beat the head upwards. As I said, there is probably a better way to do this!

Atomic 4 - Headless

There are two gaskets, both of which were destroyed in the removal. I had planned on replacing them anyways though.

Since the engine is seized, from many years of not being used, I took the opportunity to thoroughly soak the top of the pistons with WD40 to try to get things moving again.

Atomic 4 head - off

[All of the posts associated with this rebuild are available under the search label Atomic 4 Rebuild.]