Got the head off, how is everything looking?
#1
Got the head off, how is everything looking?
The cam-sliding-plate-thing broke off the rear exhaust side rocker arm which eventually led to me just removing my head to inspect everything. But this is the furthest I've ever gone into working on a vehicle, so I don't know what to look for..
Anyone knowledgeable that could comment on the condition and such of my engine based on the pics? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Anyone knowledgeable that could comment on the condition and such of my engine based on the pics? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Fort Irwin California
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd say them piston faces could use a cleaning before the head is put back on. Your coolant ports look a little plugged up too. Make sure you get the deck and head surface CLEAN before you intall the head. I'm used to working with a cast iron block and head, so I just used a grinder with a wire brush wheel, and a rag with some brake clean to clean the surfaces. But a grinder and wire wheel may be too agressive for aluminum
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco East Bay
Posts: 8,254
Likes: 0
Received 822 Likes
on
649 Posts
What do you think is going on here?
If those are "scuff marks" you may have a damaged block (and rings and maybe piston). If it's just carbon (comes off with a Greenie, and looks good underneath), it still got there somehow (bad ring?)
Or maybe it's just a lighting issue.
You really need to clean up everything. You might be able to visually inspect the head for cracks once you get it cleaned. Of course, you need the mating surfaces of the block and head clean before putting on the gasket. I'd start with a light touch with a razor-scraper to remove carbon. I don't like using a wire wheel even on cast iron; you can certainly round corners. You can get "conditioning" pads for a die grinder https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-c...kit-69777.html that are like Greenies; I've had luck with them.
If you plan to reassemble this engine after inspection, clean up all of the parts. It may just be me, but I hate handling greasy parts.
If those are "scuff marks" you may have a damaged block (and rings and maybe piston). If it's just carbon (comes off with a Greenie, and looks good underneath), it still got there somehow (bad ring?)
Or maybe it's just a lighting issue.
You really need to clean up everything. You might be able to visually inspect the head for cracks once you get it cleaned. Of course, you need the mating surfaces of the block and head clean before putting on the gasket. I'd start with a light touch with a razor-scraper to remove carbon. I don't like using a wire wheel even on cast iron; you can certainly round corners. You can get "conditioning" pads for a die grinder https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-c...kit-69777.html that are like Greenies; I've had luck with them.
If you plan to reassemble this engine after inspection, clean up all of the parts. It may just be me, but I hate handling greasy parts.
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Fort Irwin California
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now this engine had just shy of 400k miles on it. Notice the still decent crosshatching, then the polished down area, it not a great example cause this one it scratched up a bit. But things like the last pic are what you should really worry about. It didn't smoke but had a inconsistent but frequent misfire at an idle with that cylinder
Last edited by Brandoncw; 11-25-2018 at 12:21 PM. Reason: Photos won't attach
#7
Is it normal for the cooling passages to be so rusty?
Mine haven't looked like that.
Mine haven't looked like that.
Trending Topics
#8
#9
Registered User
Now that you are pulling valves out, you want to judge the valve guide wear by inserting each valve about .5” off it’s seat and try to wobble it back and forth.
if you can wobble them much, it’s time for a real valve job. You should clean and lap each valve and install new seals on each valve while you have it apart.
Unless you are sending it out for a valve job anyway, then the machine shop should take care of all that and plane the head if necessary.
if you can wobble them much, it’s time for a real valve job. You should clean and lap each valve and install new seals on each valve while you have it apart.
Unless you are sending it out for a valve job anyway, then the machine shop should take care of all that and plane the head if necessary.
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 0
Received 109 Likes
on
81 Posts
In the first two pictures, the back cylinder looks really full of oil and soot. In my experience that's indicative of a cylinder that is badly misfiring. I'd want to know the "why" of that before I went much further.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post