4.0 SOHC head gaskets/timing chains

[JJMaine]

I forgot to mention there was also metal shavings in some of the camshaft oil ports.

Does anyone know if there is a way for me to pressure test the head gaskets while I have these heads on? Just to make sure they are sealing good to the block which would tell me that they are going to seal again when I install some good heads.

 

[JJMaine]

I'm not sure a leak down tester would work would it? I'm sure I'd lose some pressure past the piston rings and would make it hard to tell if the head gaskets were sealing.

 

[JJMaine]

I only have 1 exhaust valve and 1 intake valve leaking on each cylinder head. Will they be able to re-use my valves and just lap them in fresh with new valve stem seals?

Also, I'm guessing it's a good idea to give these heads a decent cleaning before I drop them off? I'm sure they'd appreciate that. Anyone recommend a good cleaner? Engine degreaser? Dawn dish soap?

 

[sgtsandman]

You are beyond the realm of my experience on engines as far as the questions you are asking. The best I could offer is some somewhat educated guesses and could be very wrong or very right. So, rather than risk giving bad information, I will leave the suggestions and recommendations to the experienced engine builders.

On cleaning up the engine, engine degreaser will work as will dawn dish soap since it is a degreaser in itself. Both are going to require rinsing the engine off after application and possibly some scrubbing. Since it is out of the engine bay, I would probably go with the more environmentally friendly, probably cheaper, alternative of the dish soap. In the engine bay, with limited access to things, I usually resort to brake cleaner. Whichever direction you choose to go, do it where you won't care that it may stain the surface under the engine while you are doing the cleaning.

 

[JJMaine]

Thank you sir I will keep that in mind. I've personally always used dawn dish soap and it works fine to get things clean. I don't care if they look pristine as long as it isn't terrible.

 

[sgtsandman]

Thank you sir I will keep that in mind. I've personally always used dawn dish soap and it works fine to get things clean. I don't care if they look pristine as long as it isn't terrible.

I agree. Working on an oil, greasy, and dirty engine just adds to the misery. One is going to get dirty. It's just how it is. Getting unnecessarily so, doesn't make my day.

 

[JJMaine]

My cylinder heads are currently at the machine shop getting done and I had to order new head gaskets and bolts.

When I opened the box, the two boxes of head bolts were on top of the head gaskets (in a box that the gaskets couldn't lay flat in) and had folded the cardboard and beat up the packaging a bit. The gaskets aren't creased or scratched anywhere do you think they are fine to use?

Somebody probably put the bolts on bottom and then flipped the box over and put the shipping label on so they made the trip getting squished by the bolts? I'm just not sure how picky I need to be with these things. Run em or return them and try again?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'd use them if you can't see damage.

 

[JJMaine]

They look ok to me, thanks!

 

[SenorNoob]

I second that opinion. At least they weren't folded.