Pulling heads questions...

[Cidacious]

I used the new search to find anything about cylinder heads, and pulling heads, but nothing came up I know they have to be out there...

Coordination... I called a few local machine shops and told them the same story, low mileage, pulling for other reasons. One shop said 150 per head, which includes everything that needs done, and there is no reason to pull the front head too. Another shop said 450 for both + part costs. They said I must pull both or engine will not run right. What are your thoughts?

Preparation... What should I buy to clean the block before I re-install heads and new bolts and gaskets? What should I buy to clean the threads as the factory manual says?

Installation... The manual gives a torque order, torque value and angle, but doesn't go into any detail. Shall I tighten like lug nuts, a little bit at a time in right order, or put all 37Ib/ft + 90degrees as I go around. Also the manual says to use J-36660, a fancy digital torque/ange meter. I can get it for around 190 from E-bay but is it really necessary? Torqure wrench to spec, then eyeball with rachet for 90 degrees? Pre-oiling head, I have been told to just pour oil all over the head before mounting cam carriers and this will suffice to prevent dry start. Thoughts?

[pocket-rocket]

It's best to have any work done on one head done to the other (valve job, lapping, ect.) to make sure things are balanced. Besides, if you get a head gasket set you get all gaskets for removing both heads and the oil distribution cover. I normally snug them all down as tight as I can by hand and yes, I go around snugging a bit more until I hit the required torque in the normal spiral pattern. Then I go around with the torque wrench again to double check to make sure they are all at spec. Then I do the 90* thing, without a torque angle gauge. I bought a cheap one at Autozone, but the stupid thing sucks so bad I've never used it since. Normally I will stick my ratchet at the 12 o'clock position and honk down on it till I hit the 3 o'clock position. It's not exact, but it's not that far off where it's going to make a difference either. I mean, it's not like I'm building a Top Fuel engine or anything. As far as pre-oiling goes I normally dump some oil down after installing cam carriers before the valve covers go on, but for me it's mostly to wash any debris out of the top end that could be in there. I use 1 quart for that, then drain it out in case anything bad was in it. Then I fill with a fresh 5 quarts, pull the ECM fuse, crank till I have pressure, install the fuse and it's good from there. That's how I do other peoples cars, and I don't do anyone elses car any different than I would do my own.

[Cidacious]

Thanks, I won't mess with the torque/angle meter. What do I use to clean the block before re-install as well as bolt holes on the block.

[pocket-rocket]

I chase threads with a tap and blow them out with an air compressor after going over the deck face with a gasket scraper and some brake clean on a blue shop paper towel.

[Cidacious]

Thanks, how do you remove exhaust manifold/crossover nuts without turning the studs out? I tried to get the front top crossover nut off, and of course it started turning real easy out of the manifold. I stopped until I could think of a way to get nut off. A socket fits on the end of the stud, but clearance issues kind of makes it hard to then go after nut with crescent...

[pocket-rocket]

I go ahead and let the stud come out, then separate on the bench, chase threads on the stud and nut, then thread the studs back into the manifolds.

[86FieroSEv6]

A note of caution. When chasing threads for cleanup purposes, make sure to use a thread "chaser" not a "tap". The tap cuts the threads but the shape of the thread on a chaser is made to restore and not actually cut the metal. Just force the trash out of the threads.

[Cidacious]

Thanks, I'll look for a chaser kit somewhere.

[fastback4]

So so true....Tom

A note of caution. When chasing threads for cleanup purposes, make sure to use a thread "chaser" not a "tap". The tap cuts the threads but the shape of the thread on a chaser is made to restore and not actually cut the metal. Just force the trash out of the threads.

[Cidacious]

oops the lifter hold down tools failed...

Two lifters fell out of cam carrier while being carried to spot on floor. Fell about 3 feet. I then freaked out and got them mixed with two others that did not fall, but one was barely hanging from carrier and one sitting on head. No visible damage to any, but for reliability sake I have to buy four replacements right guys? Rock auto 17.99 a piece...

[pocket-rocket]

I've reused mine after having them fall out and haven't had a problem with them, and I doubt they all went back in the same spot they came out of. I know the norm is to replace them all, but geeze... they are way to expensive to replace all of them when they all go flying.

[86FieroSEv6]

The way I look at it, check that the contact surface has not gone "flat", check the diameter against spec. at the top, middle and bottom and look for peening of the valve stem contact surface. If it passes those checks, toss 'em back in and have a nice day.

[Cidacious]

Sorry guys, really stupid question. I am putting the engine back together and I was going to look at sappy's cam timing picture walkthrough for a picture of the PS pump area, but all the pictures are supersmall, like before, click to get the huge blow up, but it appears the big blow up is gone for all the pictures. I forgot if the engine wire harness goes under the PS pump lines or over for routing through the engine lift bracket....

[bszopi]

That's what I get for trusting Ben with setting up some of the articles...

Anyway, for now, the easiest way to get to the larger pictures is to just delete part of the URL. For example, here is an existing link: http://www.60degreev6.com/Articles/DOHC/Maint/Belt/TN/TNDCP_2012.jpg

To get to the full size image, remove the "TN/TN", which will result in: http://www.60degreev6.com/Articles/DOHC/Maint/Belt/DCP_2012.jpg

I will try to get that article organized better in the next couple of days.

[SappySE107]

Sorry, ill let you do everything from now on.