Installing Head- Questions

[DeNoZZo]

In the next few days I will be installing my head onto my short block. Right now just the crank and pistons are in, and I think my next step would be putting the head on, followed by the oil pump front case and timing belt kit. What is the correct way to put the head on the short block? What orientation should the pistons be? What orientation should the cams/cam gears be? I will be using arp studs with a cometic headgasket. I know this is a very debated topic, but should I spray my cometic with permatex hg sealer? I had .005 taken off the block and .012 taken off the head, so things "should" be flat and true. I am leaning towards yes unless someone can persuade me not to. Any other tips for putting the head on a fresh motor?

 

[4g64fiero]

You had your head shaved past its service limit.

Anyways, you want to put the oil pump on first and the oil filter housing. Then the oil sump, oil pan, water pump, motor mount, pullies, then the head. Then you have to route all the coolant and oil lines on the outside of the motor and turbo after installing the manifolds.

I dont understand what you mean by "what orientation should the pistons be?" Arent they already installed?

 

[tkelly27]

The arrows on the pistons point to the cam gear side. The cam gears go toward the side with the crank gear. That will pretty much limit you in how you can install it.

With all the milling, you may want some adjustable cam gears to get the cams dialed back in.

 

[pj91gsx]

search for the torque pattern. the idea is to tighten from INSIDE OF THE HEAD TO OUT. Do it in a step sequence. 3 to 5 step. i do 5 step with arps. 25lbs, 45lbs,55lbs, 65lb,75lbs, 85lbs 90lbs. similar to that. i just put down random numbers, but that would be fine to do it that sequence. How tight you want to torque the arps are up to you. they do have a limit though.

 

[DeNoZZo]

You had your head shaved past its service limit.

Anyways, you want to put the oil pump on first and the oil filter housing. Then the oil sump, oil pan, water pump, motor mount, pullies, then the head. Then you have to route all the coolant and oil lines on the outside of the motor and turbo after installing the manifolds.

I dont understand what you mean by "what orientation should the pistons be?" Arent they already installed?

I have a pretty thick gasket to compensate for the milling. Should I still use adjustable cam gears?

Pistons are already in with the arrow towards the t-belt. I meant, should piston 1 be at tdc?

So I can't put the head on before any of that other stuff?

 

[DSM_PWR]

I always align the head/block with the timing marks before i put the head on...

Then just throw on the headgasket, and head...

.....So I can't put the head on before any of that other stuff?

Yes you can put the head on before anything else (oil pump, filter housings etc)

 

[DeNoZZo]

just out of curiousity, how do you know what to set adjustable cam gears at?

 

[DSM_PWR]

With proper tools

4G63 Camshaft Degreeing

 

[DeNoZZo]

With proper tools

4G63 Camshaft Degreeing

ouch...

With my head being decked .012 and the block .005 using a .51 thick gasket, do you think I'll be alright?

 

[SlowSpyder]

ouch...

With my head being decked .012 and the block .005 using a .51 thick gasket, do you think I'll be alright?

Thats something we cant really answer for you. Every engine is different so your gonna have to check the piston to valve clearance. Time to whip out some clay or putty or even a tootsie roll. With the head shaved that much your setting your timing should be done with extreme care. You have adjustable cam gears and a degree wheel right????

 

[DeNoZZo]

Thats something we cant really answer for you. Every engine is different so your gonna have to check the piston to valve clearance. Time to whip out some clay or putty or even a tootsie roll. With the head shaved that much your setting your timing should be done with extreme care. You have adjustable cam gears and a degree wheel right????

Neither... I wasn't planning on this being a big concern.

How can I check the piston to valve clearance with putty?