Got my heads off, took them to a machine shop. Driver side was warped pretty bad, when I took off my heads cylinder 6 looked like it was steamed clean unlike the other cylinder. 100% coolant issue there.. Im in the process of putting the heads back on from being surfaced. I want to install the heads together with the crossover still attached, less headache this way. Do I install the water bypass first? Or is there a way to do it after the heads and crossover are installed? Im talking about the pipe that goes under the intake manifold from the water pump, runs by the knock sensor to the rear of the motor.

 

Seriously? I believe the dowel pins angle away from each other, so putting the heads on with the crossover attached will require a lot of shoving and pounding.

So I'm going to assume you just used the wrong wrench taking the crossover off, and that bad experience has made you gun shy. In my opinion, removing/installing the crossover with the heads on is really pretty easy, if you use a flex-head wrench. The one I use also has an offset in the handle, but I don't think that's strictly necessary. Just about any place that sells ratchets will have one. https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-...het-62321.html

 

Well that was the way I took it off, both heads at the same time. I didnt even attempt to take off the crossover. Do you have information about the water bypass #1? Can it be installed after the heads are on

 

For anyone who can help, this is what I am referring to. If push comes to shove
I will remove the driver side crossover connections and install it that way.

 

I replaced that tube several years ago because it was leaking. I removed the intake, but the heads have never been off of my pickup. Its been long ago, but yes you can replace or install that tube with the heads on. Good luck. I wish I could remember how I did it, but its been to long ago.

 

Thank you fdp, I will attempt to do this tomorrow when my new driver side headgasket comes in. I screwed it up yesterday during my butchered install