Hitchcocks Forum

I`m trying to get the head off my 2003 Classic Bullet 500. I have taken off all 6 nuts, soaked the studs in penetrating fluid overnight and have been bashing away on the exhaust port and head steady mount but to no avail. Tried heating round 2 studs on side of head, no joy. Put spark plug back in and reassembled/refitted decompression valve. Kicked engine over, no joy!
Don't want to start levering as we all know what will happen...
Any ideas?

You could try removing the studs.

Some folk have had success with the "Rope Trick". You turn the engine to BDC, fill the bore with rope (the blue polypropylene stuff you get in hardware shops,) through the plughole and then turn engine over smartly on kickstart. Remove rockers and pushrods first though! The reason the heads stick is the alloy of the head is crushed by the washers into the stud holes. When the head is off drill through to restore clearance and use our Host's hardened steel washers on re-assembly. REgards, Mark

One trick a friend used was to put the head/rockers back on put the plug back in, fuel on ignition on and kick it over. Word of warning, put a pillow on top of the head between the frame (head came off with such force it broke one of the fins, and secondly wear ear muffs, apparently the noise was deafening, but the head came straight off. Be careful hammering in through the exhauset and inlet ports, I have seen this break away the alloy around the little stud above the tappet door, and this then becomes a big repair job

I was going to suggest that Norm, but thought better of it,(Comes under don't do this at home folks,) however now you have suggested it, I would only add, do it outside, and have a fire extinguisher handy.

Papa I spoke to him a couple of days later and his ears were still ringing

I have used turning an engine over to free off a cylinder head several times over the years BUT, I have merely slacked the nuts on the studs a small amount. (I would not suggest anyone else try it.)

Rope trick has worked for me on several occasions. I would say it is the method of choice, least likely to do any damage, provided you remove the rockers.

Must be some form of Indian rope trick

The washers spread and jam on the studs. Removing the studs is a good plan as you are only fighting one washer at a time.