I just got a new head from engnbldr to replace my old one that appears to be slightly warped (went through 2 head gaskets in 1 year). Anyway, I have the new head put together and when I set it on the block it appears to be hanging up (not seating fully) on the alignment pins in the block. The holes look to be the same size as the holes in the original head but I can find anything esle that is hanging up. The head is sitting about 3/16" off the block and rocks side to side slightly. Has anyone else run into a problem like this before? Anyone got any ideas about anything else it might be?

 

Oh yeah, truck is a '90 4runner with a 22re.

 

The first thing I'd do is e-mail EB about it. You are in good hands.

 

Sure its not the block that is warped?

 

Did you have the block resurfaced? If so did they do it with the timing cover on? If not the timing cover will cause the head to sit up. If this is not the case I would suspect a warped block. EBs stuff is usually top notch. like other's mentioned, I would email him. He is very good at taking care of his customers.

 

No the block is not warped. I called EB and he said that the dowels on the block may be sticking up too high and I should hit them witha hammer to lower them but I think that sounds sketchy. I cant believe that a 3/16" gap is caused by that. If I hammer the pins down they will only be sticking out 3/16' aboveb the block. I guess I will try it and see if it works. Let me know if anyone has any other ideas.

 

>>>*The dowel pin height and alignment hole depth are an easy thing to measure, it either is that or it isn't. If the depth is correct, don't set them deeper, no need.
Sometimes the dowels are removed, especially if the block is decked, we see them inhouse that sometimes hang up a bit from simple swedging of the pins when they are driven back in.
We have also run into oversize pins when someone has been there before us and drilled out the old pins, making a larger hole. Then they install a larger alignment dowel, that one gets me about one email a month saying "The old one fits..."
We sometimes center and tap gently on the casting to set the head in place, if that isn't going to work then please return it, we will handle the shipping of course. . If it fits our test block, then we can open the holes slightly for you to see if that works. If just misdrilled at the factory, then we will replace it....*EB