Hi, new here my first post. Been reading on here for a while and learning a lot. Finally decided to register to post a question. I have a 1980 4x4 pickup with a 22r in it. I'm in the process of replacing a blown head gasket. I've been following the haynes manual and going real slow since i dont have a lot of experience working on engines. I've allready disconnected everything it said to and I'm now trying to get the rocker arm assembly off of the head. the manual says to unbolt the head bolts and just lift it off but mine wont come off. the right side (Spark plug side) seems to be totally off but the left side is still on pretty tight and wont come off. Am I missing some bolt or pin? Also, do I actually have to take off the rocker arm assembly, or can I just remove the head with it on? The haynes manual says to take it off, but it doesn't seem like it would hurt anything to leave it on. Thanks for reading.

 

As you look at the top of your rocker assembly, you'll see that the ten head bolts go through ther assembly then the head to the block. If all ten bolts are out then the rocker aseembly should come off. It is not uncommon for the assembly to stick in the head requiring a pry bar to pop it loose. Gently leverage your stuck side and it should pop out.

No, you don't need to pull the assembly to remove the head. Manuals give you the step by step method to reduce mistakes.

 

try a few whacks with a rubber mallet before pry bar.

 

Ok I ended up just pulling the head and leaving the rocker arms on. now I just need to put on the new gasket and put it all together. I'm putting in a long day tomorrow and if all goes well I should have it up and running soon. Thanks for the help guys, appreciate it.

 

Cool, let us know how it turns out.

 

It seems like you are just replacing the gasket. You need to have the head checked anytime there has been a head gasket problem. The head may need resurfaced and possibly some valve work while you have it off. Save yourself some headache later on and have a machine shop check it. You mentioned that you don't have a lot experience with this, so I am just trying to help.

 

I'm in Grants pass, so if you need some help let me know.