Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) more head gasket question

[SAndreasen]

Is the head as hard as it looks like to fish out of the engine bay?

Thanks shaun

 

[mweiman]

It should not be too difficult, I just pulled a third gen head this week. There should be a couple rubber plugs under the cowl to remove to help get the push rods slid out. What do you have to lift it out with? An extra person to balance helps.
Matt

 

[SAndreasen]

Thanks for the reply I was thinking of using my hoist but I don't know if it will be able to get in there or not . Did you remove the turbo and exhaust manifold and turbo when you pulled the head?

 

[mweiman]

I had the manifold off, you may be able to unbolt the manifold from the head and just swing it out of the way a little with the exhaust pipe still hooked up to support it or use a ratchet strap to help a little. It is not that heavy. You can also lift the front of the head up and place a block wrapped in an old shirt or something under it to help get it coming at an angle. I have lifted them in and out by hand but a hoist would be a lot more ideal. Maybe remove the hood to get better access.
Matt