pozican

Hey guys, blew the headgasket on the NA.

Went out and got the head resurfaced and cleaned, ran around seattle getting all the parts I needed to get all this done by today.

At 10pm last night, we were installing the cam tower, after a few trys of lining this puppy up correctly we dropped a couple lifters and then we found that the gasket had broken.

3 lifters were dropped, we put them back as accurately as we could, but can't be for sure.

What are your guy's suggustions for getting the damn thing in once I get a new gasket?

Thanks!
-poz

PorscheDoc

I cut a piece of cardboard and hold it on the bottom of the cam tower against the lifters. Flip it over onto the head, get it somewhat lined up, and pull out the cardboard. The cam should drop right into place.

Techno Duck

I put a little grease on the lifters to hold them in the cam housing. I have used the cardboard method that Doc mentioned also. Its really a two person job.

Perry 951

Lucas Oil Stabilizer works great as an assembly lube and holds the lifters in place just fine. Hold the housing by the engine lift point and the distributor housing, it will balance itslef nicely.

I also reccomend putting the bolt in the upper left hole while the tower is off since it is very easy to drop into the housing on installation. The rest go in fine with my T-handle allen head, but that one seems to be the kicker.

pozican

That's so much guys -- Sounds like some awesome ideas

I will try them when I find another gasket, and get home today.

On another note -- How bad is it if I got the lifters that fell out out of order?
I did the best I could, but I can't say for sure whether it's right or not.
There doesn't seem to be any different wear patterns either.

Thanks!
-Alex

schwank

I did it solo, but it definitely takes some patience.

I used a touch of assembly grease on the lifters... helped keep them from sliding around too much. Listen to the doc though, he speaks from experience... sounds like a good idea.

Jay W

I have mixed up lifters in two different cars and not had a problem in many many miles of driving. What you DO need to look for is damage or scratches to the outsides of the lifters if they fell to the ground. Any dings in the lifters will wear the softer aluminum cam tower.

Perry 951

I like to put them back in where they came from, but they spin during normal operation so they should not have a distinct wear pattern. Clean them up and toss them in whatever hole you want.

special tool

I agree, don't worry about it.

I actually take them out and juggle them, if the mood strikes.

ivai

Sounds messy and oily