Head alignment dowels stuck
 

How does one remove the alignment dowels used t properly place the head to the block? Mine are nested right up inside the head. Trying to use snap ring pliers failed. I don't have a tap big enough to thread the inside, and frankly, I'm a bit nervous to do so since the dowel itself is seemingly thin.

Any ideas?

try using a socket and wedge it into the dowel. I think i used a long 9mm socket to get mine out.

I use snap-ring pliers and twist back and forth to remove them. They aren't too expensive to replace if you mess them up.

I use a cold chisel on which the top has been peaned over from use and ground to just about the inside diameter. Hold it tightly with vise grips, insert and tap out with small hammer.

I tried using snap ring pliers (with the exchangeable tips) and it was just flexing. I couldn't the thing to budge.

I'll try to get a rigid set, and try again.

I'm not sure how a socket will work if it's just a tolerance fit, just like the dowel itself. I'll give it a go just in case, what have I got to lose at this point.

Pushing it through the head? I think it's counterbored...it has to be extracted out the bottom

No, slide the cold chisel head into the dowel. At the bottom it can shift to the side and grab the bottom of the dowel. Tap the vise grips holding the chisel to pull the dowel out.

oh i see! thanks for the tips