cylinder block removal

[WhiteRabbitt]

I have totally disassembled my 350 four engine but I cant get the cylinder block off the top case half. I have tried softening the gasket with penetrating oil from inside and out, tried knocking it loose with the rubber mallet, and tried driving it out with an aluminum bar on the bottom of the cylinder walls that stick out into the case. all to no avail.

anybody have anything else that might work?

 

[crazypj]

Don't be beating on the spigots inside case, it's way too easy to crack them.
Use a single edge razor blade to 'split' the gasket on one side. hold with a needlenose pliers and tap into gasket with a small hammer.
It is likely to shatter so be VERY careful
As soon as you get a slight 'tilt' the cylinder will lift pretty easy.
Honda gaskets are designed with heat activated sealer,the older they are, the tighter it is (and the reason they are usually so oil tight and you shouldn't grease them)
Does make removing parts pretty difficult sometimes though

 

[Sonreir]

Same problem on my 360 when I was taking it apart. Blow torch along one side of the gasket for about five minutes did the trick.

 

[crazypj]

"What do you do with witches?"
"BURN THEM" ;D

 

[WhiteRabbitt]

thanks for the responses. I did not know about the heat activated sealant, thanks for the heads up. and I have been too afraid of causing damage to the sealing surfaces to try separating them that way, but the razor blade and heat ideas I will give a go.

thanks again, and may I add that this site is a great resource for inspiration and economic tips!