head install and timing belt tension question??
08-07-2004, 03:55 PM
#1
Hitsquad Ninja
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Thread Starter
head install and timing belt tension question??
ok...i finished my shortblock the other day...should it not be at tdc when i install the head...or should it be? because tonight my cam tower will be going on and i know the cam should be at the tdc mark before i put the timing belt on...so should my cam first be at tdc and THEN my crank to prevent valve damage? HELP!
08-08-2004, 03:37 AM
#4
Race Car
Make sure your #1 piston is at TDC FIRST, install head, check timing mark again from rear of the block (there is a casting line on the block to align with your flywheel even without bellhousing), install camtower WITH cam at TDC or your valves will bend immediately after you tighten your camtower housing bolts.
08-08-2004, 03:54 AM
#5
Hitsquad Ninja
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thanks pete and frank...but hey one more question. i have a spec aluminum flywheel...but there is no tdc mark on it. there is however a screw type stud thing stuck in the side of it. is that what the line on the flywheel is?
08-08-2004, 04:02 AM
#6
Race Car
Not sure about the aftermarket flywheel but if you want to be sure absolutely, make sure the flywheel mark lines up with the line on the block or make your own mark before you put the head on.
08-08-2004, 04:11 AM
#7
Hitsquad Ninja
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Thread Starter
ya earlier i took some white-out and made a line on the crank to the block to show tdc...then i turned it by hand to make sure none of the pistons were close to t he top so i can safely install the cam tower...then when i have the cam set at tdc i will rotate the crank by hand to tdc and then install the belts.
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08-08-2004, 05:20 AM
#8
Race Car
What do you mean none of the pistons were close to the top? The No. 1 piston HAS TO BE AT THE VERY TOP (TDC) before the camtower goes on. With only the head on, all the valves are closed so nothing will hit until you put your camtower on. DO NOT ROTATE THE CRANK BY HAND TO TDC AFTER YOU PUT ON THE CAMTOWER AS YOU MENTIONED IN YOUR LAST REPLY because if 2 and 3 are on their upcycle, you will DEFINITELY hit valves.
Last edited by Legoland951; 08-08-2004 at 03:01 PM.
08-08-2004, 05:38 AM
#9
Race Director
Take your time and do this right. Even if you have to remove the head to put the #1 piston at TDC and to mark the flywheel, DO IT!!!. Trying to save yourself an hour or two by skipping a critical step will result in hundreds of hours in wasted time later in engine-rebuilds, overtime work to pay for parts, and troubleshooting.