PITA! So far lol.. I hope I never have to do this again after I am done. Left the cross pipe attached to the manifolds and unbolted the exhaust manifolds from the heads.. How can I depressurize the fuel system? Haynes manual states to start the car and let it die after unplugging fuel pump but I don't have that option. How can I De pressurize without turning on truck?

 

don't worry about depressurizing the fuel system, you won't loose that much and it won't go squirting everywhere. taking the gas cap off can help though.

 

Okay cool wasn't sure if it was gonna be squirting everywhere.. Also, do the fuel rails and injectors need come off when removing the intake or do they stay attached to intake?

 

as long as they don't obstruct your access to the manifold bolts, they can stay. however, now during your head job is the time to at least replace all the injector o-rings to prevent future leaks so you might as well remove them. might also be a good time to have the injectors cleaned, or upgrade to the flamethrower injectors. i'm happy with mine.

 

I would like upgrade them don't think I can afford all new injectors at this time.

 

So..I have not removed the heads yet because I found that once I removed the camshaft I did another leak down test on number one cylinder and it was holding good pressure. It was no longer leaking out the exhaust. So now I changed my mind on removing the heads and just re-shim and adjust all valves. Question...can I re use the exhaust manifold gasket?

 

if you are that far into it you might as well just do a head job. as mentioned before, the valve or valve seat are most likely damaged so sending them to a machine shop would be best. as much trouble as you've gone through to get this far, do you really want to go through this again 6 months from now? the truck will run so much better with a valve job.

 

If i do the heads should I be concerned about the bottom end?

 

I was kinda of on a budget and didn't really want to get too deep into it where I am practically rebuilding it. I am just little concerned about spending $600 on heads for the lower end to give me problems.

 

Does anyone know what size bolt are the bearing cap bolts for the camshaft? I appears that who ever put mine in stripped the threads and I cannot tighten the two on the driver side nearest the firewall. I am getting M9-1.25 does that sound right? Seems like a weird size.