Removing head from E21

[Glansdell]

Can you pull intake manifold back far enough to lift the head out. So much work to remove everything on intake manifold including wiring harness

[shogun]

Moved from Forum Software Questions & Suggestions to E21 forum

[epmedia]

Can you pull intake manifold back far enough to lift the head out. So much work to remove everything on intake manifold including wiring harness

I've only heard of that being an alternative, but I've also heard that it was easier/better in the long run to just unplug that harness from the Lambda controller behind the glovebox and then proceed with removing the intake.

[320iAman]

I changed out a few. I have removed everything. If your going to resurface the deck of the Cylinder head make sure the upper timing chain cover is sent with it as it has to be resurfaced the same amount as the cylinder head or the valve cover gasket will be uneven with small gaps--- vacuum leaks will ensue. I looked into it by pull back of throttle body-it would have to be supported some way as its support is the cylinder head, I decided on complete removal, Head gasket kits have gaskets for the complete removal and disassembly of the throttle body and the volume air box as seen in this picture of a typical head gasket kit,, I'd do front engine oil seal and lower timing chain cover gaskets as well--additional Kit.

11121734031-M17.jpg s-l1600.jpg

Randy

[blacky77]

On the 1980 and later intakes the wiring harness is routed through the cast webbing of the intake. I have cut away that webbing. Then the harness stays attached to everything and you can simply remove the head without yanking harness.

[amarino]

It's possible but more work in pulling and moving parts around. You want to remove the air filter for sure and the intake boot that goes to the fuel distributor. May also have to unbolt the Fuel Distributor / AFM housing. You have to have someone pull the intake back as you lift the head up to clear the studs on the head that go to the intake. You're also some really long extensions to get under the intake and unbolt it from the head.