I'm working on splitting the case on my GC code engine. I've taken out all the case nuts and bolts (and double checked, triple checked, then checked two more times for good measure) but I can't open the case fully

3 of the 4 "corners" of the case open very freely, but the one pictured will only rock back and forth, it will not open all the way to separate the case halves. I know this may be a difficult one to answer via a forum post, but anyone have any suggestions as to what I may be missing?

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I am at my wits end on this one!!

Is that a picture of the case?

If it is, you may just need a bit more force.

Don't use pry bars, use wooden wedges cut to fit.

Yes, this is my case. I'll give that a shot.

Can you think of any other reason why this would happen?

Bend stud?

Kinda what I was thinking too, just didn't want to force it in case I missed something.

Do you have the six thru bolts out? They have a vibration damper, a small plastic piece, which encircles the bolt, and will lodge in the case.

I have the 6 bolts out as far as they will go, but not fully out due to the plastic pieces you are referring to.

Tap all of the case thru bolts out before trying to separate

If you made it that far with all the through bolts removed, it's most likely a bent stud.

Use wood wedges and boards, no metal.

I had the same issue, remove the bolts but take the tabs out, look at where you can apply pressure safely and get it done.

Thanks for the info. How did you remove the 3 lower (closest to the sump) through bolts? I can't see how I'll be able to access the plastic insulators.

You can drive the bolts all the way out before trying to separate the case.
you will need new plastic insulators if you do that

take a smaller bolt and drive out the through bolts.
The plastic retainers are part of the standard gasket kit, they are junk anyways.

rich

I finally got the case split tonight. I had to remove the stud I suspected was bent and the case opened up with no further issues

But, the stud wasn't bent, it had something on it that prevented it from going through the hole in the case half. Anyone have any guesses at to what it could be. It's sort of copper in color and is stuck to the stud big time. It goes about 75% around the stud

RTV copper form a gasket maybe.

copper wire,14-12 ga.

I'm still wondering WHY this would be on the stud. Any theories?

i have seen people use strands of copper wire as a homemade heli- coil of sorts when there is minor thread damage. not something I would, though.