ARP washers hitting the Manley retainers

[honduraneclipse]

I am very concerned on my ARP washers hitting and slightly bending my Manley retainers. Not all of them but about 4-5 especially on the 4 corners. I had to force the washers down so I can get them flush against the head. I have not yet finished the motor but I was wandering if you guys ran into this problem before.
Head work
manley retainer and springs
ss valves
hks 272s
3g lifters
ARP studs
cometic head gasket

 

[project_tsi]

I ran into a similar problem but w/ oem springs/retainers. The trick is to put on all the washers in the head before putting the head on the block.

So first screw in the head studs, then put the washers in place in the head, then put the head on the block, very gently. Have another person help you align the head on so all the studs slide over the washers, thus leaving them all in place, flush on the bottom of the head.

 

[steve]

ARP now sells different (smaller) washers and nuts to address this problem.

Steve

 

[92awddsm]

It is a normal problem. I always set the head onto the alignment dowels, set all the washers in place, then install the studs. I tried installing all the washers and then setting the head on the block but it just lead to more problems keeping the washers in place. Ragardless, the shims are hardened and if you bent them, they will break off. You really should replace the spring seat/shims that you bent.

 

[honduraneclipse]

I am down on money right now, and impatiently waiting to put the motor in the car. So whats the worst that can happen if I leave it alone.

 

[project_tsi]

The worst that can happen is a retainer lets go at high R's, and causing engine damage. Not a chance I'd be willing to take.

 

[Enraged78]

I ran into this the last time I put my head on and forgot to put the washers on before hand. If you run into this again, and don't want to take everything apart, here's what you do: Have two people grab each side of the head and slowly lift up about four inches. The washers will clear the studs and fall into place. Slowly lower the head back down onto the block and check the washers. They should all be in place now. If not, try it again. This has worked well for me in the past. You could also pull the stud out where the washer is hitting, place the washer down, and put the stud back in if you're by yourself, or don't want to lift the head.

If you got impatient, and bent the washers, do NOT use them. Case hardened washers don't like to be messed with.

Matt.

 

[aero_sallee]

I am very concerned on my ARP washers hitting and slightly bending my Manley retainers.

Not sure why people think he bent the washers. He stated that he bent the retainers, which I would be much more concerned with anyway. I wouldn't run those. The extent of the possible damage is just too great.

 

[2deep]

ARP now sells different (smaller) washers and nuts to address this problem.

Steve

DO NOT....I repeat DON NOT use the part #'s you get off the NABR pulic archives. I ordered nuts/washers using the part #'s I got off of NABR and they were N/T 2G.