Fj80oregon
GOLD Star
Do it on the bench
1FZ-FE - Cylinder Head Replacement
- Thread starter 12bit
- Start date
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Does the new OEM head come with the valve seats and valve guides installled?
Valve clearance check on the bench makes sense if you want to get everything dialed in before install, but honestly I've always done it after mounting to the block on a stand — you're getting a more realistic measurement that way since the head is under its own weight and you've got it torqued down. Either works as long as you're patient with the shim selection.
One thing worth mentioning: if you're reusing the original buckets and shims, label absolutely everything before you start. I made the mistake once of mixing up shims across cylinders thinking I'd remember the order, and then spent twice as long sorting them back out. Little zip-lock bags with a Sharpie on each one. Takes five minutes and saves a lot of grief later.
One thing worth mentioning: if you're reusing the original buckets and shims, label absolutely everything before you start. I made the mistake once of mixing up shims across cylinders thinking I'd remember the order, and then spent twice as long sorting them back out. Little zip-lock bags with a Sharpie on each one. Takes five minutes and saves a lot of grief later.
Fj80oregon
GOLD Star
Yes
Fj80oregon
GOLD Star
Why do you need a sst tool to replace the shims? Just pull the cam and swap in the correct shim. I have the Toyota tool and it works good takes some patience. I only purchased because I use it often on rebuilds but I would not buy one for a one time use. OTC also sells the tool.
- Thread starter
- #29
I have 2 more 1FZs that I will be cracking open after this one. I was trying to avoid removing the cams and OTRAMM used a similar tool in his valve adjustment video.
Fj80oregon
GOLD Star
Good deal, I would avoid generic brands just because of the precision involved, Toyota or OTC.
i bought one of those generic tools in the past but struggled with it.
I have found it much more precise and easier to remove the camshafts after measuring clearances 1st and then doing the calculation / shim swap etc.
I have used one of those tools and found that it didn't depress the bucket enough to get the shim out. I tack welded a few tacks and filed them smooth to get the extra distance needed.
Will likely be throwing a new head at my 1997 soon. You mentioned the OEM head came with the valve seats and guides in place. Do you happen to remember what wasn't included on the new head that you couldn't or didn't opt to harvest from the old head? I plan to go new for the valves and springs but otherwise plan to reuse as much as possible but wasn't sure about coolant nipples and spark plug tubes and such
- Thread starter
- #34
Spark plug tubes are included, but the coolant nipple (unions), spring seats, half moons & water outlet studs are not.
Sweet. I don't mind doing a search but would you happen to have the part numbers for those extras you bought?
- Thread starter
- #36
Just wanted to follow up on my own question for future mud surfers.
I ordered one of these tools and do not recommend it. It was extremely fiddly and I was not able to fully depress the bucket (chbrow10 mentioned adding some tack welds). The finish easily scratched off leaving junk behind in head. I concluded it was not worth the risk of slipping and gouging my camshaft. I ended up just removing my camshafts as many suggested.