can't get the head off the block

[BMWChris]

Right,

Am removing head on Midget 1500 to find out why I have no compression on number 2.

Anyway,

Obviously, I've removed all the nuts, rockers, waterpump, manifolds etc. The head will not come off the block!

I've lifted upwards and wiggled in every direction
I've tapped the head with a mallet in multiple directions
I've belted it with a mallet
I've put the plugs back in and spun it over (with a couple of nuts on the studs to stop it flying off)
I've jacked the car up, slotted wooden props under the head and eased the car off the jack and the front wheels are off the ground, weight supported by the head!
I can get a blunt screw driver in the gap (I know I shouldn't but its no use as it is, anyway, I was very careful!) and I can waggle the head back and forth.
I tried to remove the studs but they are right down in the block. I managed to get a few out but then the nut I had cut in half (there isn't enough thread to get 2 full sized nuts on the studs) cracked and I got fed up.
I've tried various compbinations of the above.

I have left the car over night with the prop system in place but was looking for any other ideas.

Cheers

[S7Paul]

Had a similar thing happen once (on a different engine). Eventually realised that there was still one bolt done up, which wasn't in the usual pattern and was recessed (so not obvious). So, are you sure you've got ALL the bolts out?

[Steve_D]

WD40 down beside the studs?
The studs will be rusted into the head.
You could try feeding some rope into the spark plug holes then turning the engine over with the crank bolt.

Steve

[sassanach0]

look for hidden bolts under thermostats etc,a lot of old engines had bolts in lots of obscure places

[oakdale]

These Triumph ohv cylinder heads were always a bugger to get off, due to corrosion around the studs.

Ideally you need to get the studs out, but if you've got the head to the point where you can waggle it a bit, a good soak with wd40 or penetrating oil overnight should do the trick.

[Talkwrench]

Heat can be your friend here too. Try to work out which is the most troublesome stud. If you can wiggle the head a bit, then it sounds like the head is moving as one or two studs flex.
Heat the likely studs with a blowlamp - and really heat them - enough to break down the corrosion thats causing the problem. If you can exert a fair amount of pull on the head, using a rope and an engine hoist, continuous heat should eventually free the studs.

[rev-erend]

I once had this issue with a 6 cylinder Jag alloy head.

I used an engine crane to lift the entire front end of the car up - using inlet / exhaust manifolds to tie the tope to... took about a week for the weight and gravity to persuade the rusty bolts to allow the car to drop the few inches onto it's wheels.

Also - bent my crane a bit too..

[BMWChris]

WD40 over a couple of nights with wiggling and the prop system got it off.

to reveal holed piston.

thanks for all the advice.

Chris