Head Rebuild Questions/Advice

[nolv4v8]

I just bought a supposedly rebuilt 1G head, but I am going to pull it apart to make sure everything is good before I put it on the built short block. The three things I want to know are:
1. How do I test the valvesprings to make sure that they are not worn out? Is there a difference between the turbo and non turbo valvesprings? What titanium retainers are compatible with the stock springs?
2. How do machine shops pressure test a head? I was going to pull everything apart, but i want to see what i should leave intact so I can have the pressure test done. Does the head have to be complete with cams or what?
3. I noticed that two of the cam caps have some minor gouges, pitting where they contact the cam. Should I replace them right away? Is it okay to just replace two of them?
Sorry if these seem like newbie questions, but I have never built up a motor and I want to do everything right the first time. Thanks for any help.

 

[QuickerDSM]

Originally posted by nolv4v8

1. How do I test the valvesprings to make sure that they are not worn out? Is there a difference between the turbo and non turbo valvesprings? What titanium retainers are compatible with the stock springs?

If you know the factory specs of the springs at different lift increments, then you can have your machine shop test them with a spring tester. The tester just puts pressure on the spring at different heights, and measures the resistance against the scale.

Originally posted by nolv4v8

2. How do machine shops pressure test a head? I was going to pull everything apart, but i want to see what i should leave intact so I can have the pressure test done. Does the head have to be complete with cams or what?

They usually plug all the coolant passages except one and then apply compressed air @ 'X' amount of pressure, then retest the pressure after a few minutes to see if any has been lost. Or if there is obvious leak it will be audible.

Originally posted by nolv4v8

3. I noticed that two of the cam caps have some minor gouges, pitting where they contact the cam. Should I replace them right away? Is it okay to just replace two of them?

Are you referring to the actual cap the holds the cam to the head? If so, I'd ask your mahcine shop. Worst case scenario you'll have to get it resized which requires a line bore/hone depending how much is needed. That can get expensive to do.

Mike

 

[Defiant]

Hrmp. Who rebuilt it? Is there any reason you don't trust them? Check a valve seat, see if it's been done. Other than that, I'd not worry about it. It doesn't need pressure testing, and replacing a cam bearing cap involves align boring and honing. And if you're running under 8000 rpm, you valve springs are fine.

 

[nolv4v8]

OK, I am pulling the head apart and I am also going to have a pressure test done. A few more questions though:
As I wrote above, I bought the head rebuilt and I am wondering if everything was put back together correctly. Will there be problems if the cam caps and/or bolts were put on in a different order? Does anyone have any close up pics so I can see where the arrows point?
Lastly, I pulled out the rockers and cleaned them in a bucket of parts cleaner and as I was drying them off I noticed some don't spin so freely, they kind of bind up. Should I replace the ones that are spinning bad, and can I replace just a few without any problems. Thanks for any help again.

 

[nolv4v8]

BTW, I plan on revving this engine to 8K or maybe a little more. Also, if I am unsure about the cam caps being worn or put together wrong, will an align bore and honing make sure that everything is perfect. I just want to do everything perfect so I don't have any worries.

 

[QuickerDSM]

Originally posted by nolv4v8
Also, if I am unsure about the cam caps being worn or put together wrong, will an align bore and honing make sure that everything is perfect.

Yes

Mike