Posted by Jon Botzler (141.157.17.183) on October 11, 2004 at 18:36:36:
I found #4 cylinder filling up with water when I removed the plug. I think this could be from a blown head gasket or a stuck exhaust valve (or a cracked head or block). I think the A-4 is the original and is in a 1982 Catalina 30. I decided to remove the head and ran into problems getting it free. The head is held on by a bunch of nuts on studs in the block. The thermosat housing is attached the head with 2 studs as well. I was able to get all the nuts off. I do not know how to safely pry/pull the head off. Also, I do not know if the studs for the thermostat housing goes only into the head or if they go through the head and into the block. They appear very tightly mounted to the head. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I sail in the northern Chesapeake Bay.