Easiest way to pull rear head/turbo

[DrGonzo]

Been having some coolant loss issues lately and tracked it down to a bad head gasket. I decided against pulling the engine since I didn't want to deal with it all and the only engine stand I have is currently in use.

Last time I did the heads the engine was still N/A so no turbos. I got the front head off no problem and didn't have to remove the front turbo.

For the rear I am wondering the best approach? I'm pretty sure I can't unbolt it from the header like I did the front. Thinking I need to remove the rear turbo first then the head. Am I correct in those assumptions??

[sublime_whatigo]

Unbolt the precat pipe, push it to the side. Pull the head with the turbo/manny still attached. This won't save you but a few minutes, so your call really

[Intropy]

I'm pretty sure I pull it as a single unit, with precat and oil drain still attached to the turbo. IIRC stock there's some little bracket that also holds the precat to the block or something, so be sure to get that.

[DrGonzo]

Good to know I can pull it all as one unit. Pretty sure I don't have those precat brackets on so makes it a little easier.

Thanks!!

[stealthee]

From personal experience you will actually save time by pulling the engine. I cussed pulling heads on an engine still in the car. By the time I was done I could have had the engine yanked, heads pulled, new heads installed, entire assembly reinstalled and running quicker than just pulling the heads with the engiine in the car.

[Intropy]

From personal experience you will actually save time by pulling the engine. I cussed pulling heads on an engine still in the car. By the time I was done I could have had the engine yanked, heads pulled, new heads installed, entire assembly reinstalled and running quicker than just pulling the heads with the engiine in the car.

^ It's true, "pull the engine" is pretty much step #1 for me now. Part of the reason I hope Nelson's motor plate group buy goes through - damn that would be nice.

[daerdevil_1987]

From personal experience you will actually save time by pulling the engine. I cussed pulling heads on an engine still in the car. By the time I was done I could have had the engine yanked, heads pulled, new heads installed, entire assembly reinstalled and running quicker than just pulling the heads with the engiine in the car.

I agree , i did the heads like a month ago without taking the engine out, trust me u would be screaming and cussing all the time when u work on the back head/turbo in both disassembling and installation. but then again it's up to you good luck tho.

[DrGonzo]

Well so far I have only spent 3 hours and got everything off but the rear head. Figure about 30-45 on the rear head and I'm back to reassembly. Not to bad all in all.

My other issue is I don't have anyplace to store the engine while its out. So sitting in my driveway with all the rain we have been having would not be ideal.

[stealthee]

If it were a DSM I would already be on reassembly in 3 hours.

I learned my lesson the first time, hope it all goes well.

[Gearheadvr4]

I've done it both ways and I'm saying pulling the motor is the best way to go. I've got it down to a few hours after so much practice.

Otherwise with no engine hoist then pull the turbo/mani with the head. Count on a few busted fingers. Good luck.