How to Remove a K20 Head

Removing a head on the Chevrolet K20 truck can be time consuming because of the number of parts that must come off in order to remove the cylinder head. The average person can expect to complete the removal process in about three hours. The information in this instruction takes into consideration the V6 and V8 gasoline engines that were available in the trucks when they entered the market. Be sure that the engine is completely cool before you begin this project.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment on the truck. Prop the hood open with the prop rod if there is one. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery using a wrench to loosen the nut on the terminal. Remove the air cleaner from the engine by turning the thumbscrew counterclockwise. Open the valve on the bottom of the radiator using a wrench and drain the engine coolant into the drain pan. Place the pan out of reach of animals.

2

Remove the mounting bolts from the air conditioning compressor using a socket and ratchet. Do not disconnect the refrigerant lines. Set the compressor to the side and out of the way. Disconnect the air hose at the check valve using a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp. Label the throttle linkage and disconnect it from the carburetor using a wrench. Label and disconnect the vacuum lines and electrical connections at the cylinder head using a marker and masking tape.

3

Disconnect the intake manifold from the cylinder head using a socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts. Remove the mounting bolts from the alternator using a socket and ratchet. Unplug the wires from the alternator and remove it from the engine when you remove the right cylinder head. Remove the dipstick tube from the engine using a wrench. Remove the power steering pump and air pump using a socket and ratchet when you remove the left cylinder head.

4

Label each of the spark plug wires using a marker and masking tape. Pull the wires from the plugs. Remove the exhaust manifold from the head you are removing using a socket and ratchet. Position the manifold aside. Remove the valve cover using a socket and ratchet. Loosen each of the rocker arms and pushrods using a wrench and remove them. Label each one as you remove it because they have to go back together the same way they came off.

5

Disconnect the power brake booster, if the truck is equipped with it, using a socket and ratchet in order to get to the number 7 rocker arm. Double-check that all wires are disconnected from the cylinder head. Remove the head bolts from the cylinder head using a socket and ratchet. Separate the head from the engine block. Tap the head lightly with a rubber mallet if necessary to break the seal.