scuba#1

Hi,
This might be a stupid set of questions but this is my first HG failure and I just want to be especially clear on my understanding of the valve train after you reinstall the heads.

I am replacing the HG on a '90 3.0 runner with a factory rebuild @ a little over 40k when it blew. I have followed the FSM to the letter along with browsing many a post on this site, untill the heads. I just got to the heads yesterday and when I got there decided I would be a smart feller and take them off without removing the cams.( please be gentle with your ridicule. lol) Well as you are all probably thinking right now, how's he gonna get the head bolts out? Well i'm not, but the head is off.

So my first question is, should I just take the heads the way they are to the shop along with new bolts and have them remove the cams, resurface the heads, install NEW head bolts loosely in their respective places and reinstall the cams and do the adjustments?

OR

Should I remove the cams my self, (minding all the while to loosen the bolts only after the cam has been positioned so there is no force from the valves onto the cam, right?) then take the heads in, reinstall the cams myself?

Depending on the answers, I will then ask yet another series of questions about the valves themselves.

Thanks!

TNRabbit

You can take them off no problem, just put them on a surface that won't mar/scratch them and use the removal procedure in the FSM. DEFINITELY replace the head bolts as they are TTY; I recommend Ted at www.engnbldr.com for high-quality aftermarket bolts.

scuba#1

If I r&r the cams myself and keep everything in its proper order when I reinstall them is it necessary to do a valve adjustment. Like I said the rebuild has only about 40k on it and the valves were adjusted about 30k ago. Won't the valves still be in spec.? Sorry if these questions are obvious but I just want to be sure I have a sound understanding of the entire process. Learning as I go.

Thanks.

TNRabbit

The 3vze is pretty immune to needing valve adjustments very often. My $.02 is you'll be fine. Just put EVERYTHING BACK IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE!! Driver's side head has the dizzy... :-)

scuba#1

Awsome! Thanks Rabbit.

Catlin

At 40,000 miles on the new engine, just leave the valves alone. You should take the cams off yourself and keep all lifters and caps in order at your place. That way the machine shop only has to true the heads, and you know things are going to be put back correctly.