I'm tearing my 22RE to replace the HG and timing kit. 198k and this thing hasn't ever been torn down. I have removed everything down to the head bolts. Everything is disconnected but I left the lower intake manifold attached. I did get the hidden timing cover bolt out so that's not holding it. Also the #8 bolt snapped flush with the head.

My problem is this head is stuck and not coming off. I've tried to pry where the fsm shows but I can't really get much leverage and don't want to damage anything. I've also whacked it a few times with a dead blow hammer but it's not coming loose.

Is there a trick to pulling this thing off? Most of the threads I read did not mention it being this hard. I don't have an engine hoist or I would just try that to pull it up. I didn't know if any experienced guys out there could give me some tips on things to try.

 

Find the biggest rubber mallet and go postal :-)

 

Are all the bolts out in the back for the water jacket crossover plate? Also there are some bolts for a water pipe under the lower intake manifold on a bracket that also bolts to the block iirc.

 

As far as the crossover plate I can't get to that with it still in the truck. I was under the impression the water pipe under the intake manifold was bolted to the head.

 

You forgot something

Even so that coolant pipe goes to the back of the timing cover you did unbolt that

 

I just went out to look at it and the drivers side coolant pipe isn't connected to the head and also the passenger side off the timing cover is disconnected. The only two pipes I have still connected to the head is the PAIR and coolant pipes that run from the intake manifold to the drivers side