I am going to tackle removing the head to figure out the final problem with my 08 MCS. I do have a bentley and Haynes manual to go off of and I have searched forum (with little success).

Just curious of the quirks that I need to pay attention to as I start to disassemble the engine. I currently have the valve cover off, just waiting on all other items to get here before I remove the head.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Big shout out to Pelican for the advice already and speedy shipping of needed materials.

Reference of original post.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...condition.html
Since this time I have the check engine light on and off, misfire go away, oil start to leak from passenger side and white smoke from exhaust. Time to get to the bottom of it.

 

Before you pull the head, have you done any diagnostic to limit the problem to the head?

There are multiple specialty tools that are required to remove the head, and are 100% necessary to start or finish the job, do you have those on hand?

There isn't many quirks to taking the head off though, just nuts, bolts, and time. There is a hidden head bolt on the back of the head near the water pump, it can be easily overlooked and cause some people distress as to why the head isn't coming off.

Make sure the engine is in time when disassembled, mostly so the crank is 90* over TDC from start to finish.

As with every head job ever, take it to a machine shop, have it decked, valve guide seals replaced, and the head vacuum tested, as you may need the valves lapped.

If you get all of that out of the way, be slow and methodical when assembling everything, make sure torques are proper, gasket surfaces are clean, TTY bolts are replaced, engine is in time, and you get the proper fluid amounts back where they need to be.

Nick
586-792-6464