Universal 5432 head removal

[discoverer37]

My 1983 C37 has the original Universal 5432 diesel engine. Last season I changed the thermostat and the casting that the thermostat sits in broke where the studs that hold the top of the thermostat housing are inserted.
I managed to cobble up a way of holding the pieces together for the season, but I would like to fix it properly before spring.

The part to be replaced has a rectangular flange that bolts onto the forward, vertical edge of the cylinder head. Unfortunately it is behind the casting that the water pump mounts to.

So, there seems to be two options:
1) Remove the gear casing from the front of the engine.
This involves removing the crank pulley and some of the injector pump drive parts (which I am worried will require some recalibration of the pump and/or throttle linkage) at a minimum, and possibly the oil filter bracket and the engine mounting beam.
2) Remove the cylinder head complete with broken part.

Anyone have any experience or advice here?

Thanks,
Paul

[Mariner36]

Dear Paul,

I have a leaking front crank shaft seal which iv'e been living with. I'm sure it will just get worse so I'm thinking of pulling the front case. Did you remove yours. If yes, any problems? You can call my office in CA at 800 811-2009 if you want to discuss this problem in more detail. Thanks George

[Unruhly]

Paul, front cover is easier. See comments in other thread. I don't remember any moving parts on cover except stop lever. Gov springs are a hassle but not injector timing or adjustment. Head requires manifolfs, head gasket, valve adjustments, fuel lines, wires, hoses, torquing head bolts, etc etc etc. Yuck.