pharouh Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 Well, I've got another little problem. I just put my cylinder head and front cover back on. Now the 2 little bolts that go from the front of the head to the front cover won't go back on.I've loosened the front cover and whacked it with a block of wood and a hammer,but it won't go back any farther. Can I loosen the head bolts and see if that helps? Would I have to put a new head gasket on (again)? It appears that the head need to go forward just a little. thanks! My build thread; http://community.ratsun.net/topic/14906-drum-roll-please/ Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 Leave the head alone. It's on two dowels and won't move even with all bolts out. Instead remove the timing cover and look for an obstruction holding it forward. Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 18, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 Thanks. I was afraid of that. It's tightened down and doesn't look like it could go back any farther. I'll try tomorrow. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 Well then, that begs the question... were the dowels in the block to align the head over the cylinders? If you look between the 3 and 4 cylinders then up yo can see a dowel in one of the bolt holes ...looks like a short piece of pipe in there. The front on is missing but is forward beside the chain hole. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 you sure you didnt pinch the side gasket near the top where the cover and head meet? havent seen this myself where one could not get the front cover on. Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Yeah,the dowels were there. Maybe it's because I put the gaskets on the block first and let it sit overnight before I put the front cover on. Maybe the thickness of the sealer? Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Best to use dry gaskets with a dab of that RTV shit in all four corners. If you used that 'shit' all over then let sit all night it would harden/gel and add to the gasket thickness. If wet it would squish out the sides when tightened. Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 well, it was probably dry on the back and it did squish out on the front.so I'll have to take it off and do it again. :( Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Try dry fitting without a gasket and see first. Still could be something caught. Quote Link to comment
mike Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Do you have your oil pan on? Try loosening the pan to give you a little wiggle room and the little dab of RTV on the corner of the block and head gasket will act as a lube till it cures. Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Thanks for the tips. I'm going to take it off this evening and see if it fits without a gasket. just to see... Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 OK I found the problem. The head gasket got pinched where the head and cover meet. surprised I didn't see that. So now do I have to replace the head gasket or can I get by with using the piece of head gasket that's left and a little sealer at the top of the cover? Quote Link to comment
nismo dr Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 I would replace it, asking for problems if you don't Quote Link to comment
hang_510 Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 So now do I have to replace the head gasket or can I get by with using the piece of head gasket that's left and a little sealer at the top of the cover? decisions, decsions... if you do it correct now (replace) you wont be doing it again in a few months. it is not a pressure area, so you may be OK 'fixing' the pinched area. Quote Link to comment
dat521gatherer Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 it's fine. i'd put the cover back on even if the gasket pinched and broke. a little of rtv will do the trick. they leak oil even when you do it right. so slap that thing back together and rock it like it is. Quote Link to comment
hang_510 Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 they leak oil even when you do it right. :o ive not had one leak. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 I pinched the head gasket also. see if you can straighten it out and use soem RTV in the corners. this is why to drop the oil pan slightly so you can work the front cover on. Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Thanks a lot guys! Majority rules. I think I'd feel better with a new head gasket,too. Gawd,more work. :hmm: Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 20, 2010 Report Share Posted April 20, 2010 The front of the head gasket only seals around the timing chain hole. There is no water, oil or compression to seal in just some oil spray and fumes. Run it. Quote Link to comment
pharouh Posted April 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2010 The front of the head gasket only seals around the timing chain hole. There is no water, oil or compression to seal in just some oil spray and fumes. Run it. True. I'm getting another front cover gasket set tomorrow from Carquest, I'll see what I can do. Quote Link to comment
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