HG replacement in Elk Grove is underway

[robertaleon]

Looking at picture #2, the gaskets are still on the block! They are black and pretty thin IIRC. I am sure you figured that one out when cleaning the block.



Steve

Haha....yes I did. I edited that post for "accuracy." It was stuck on there but the two gaskets were missing from the cooler to cover which was most likely contributing to my "gunk" on the radiator cap that I could never get rid of.

 

[robertaleon]

head's on!

On the downhill side of the job. With some acrobatics and pilates - got the head on and snugged down. The 2 90 degree turns make a man out of a 'girl' wanna be mechanic like myself. Hard to get leverage on all 14 bolts. After the head turmoil - went with new head bolts (OEM). Exhaust side is complete and tackling the intake tonight once the kiddos go to bed.

I've also spent a considerable amount of time cleaning blue RTV off of every connection / gasket surface from previous owner's head gasket job. Doug's tips/tricks are very helpful (exhaust reinstall) to save time but are eclipsed by all the clean-up and "while I'm here stuff." I also have my very own "Mr. T hologram" nameplate which was missing from that reman'd head before. Complete OEM head - "street value" of the truck just went up like $3000 I'm sure!

 

[robertaleon]

exhaust complete

More pix. #3 is the best part of the job....Isn't that part of Step #6?

 

[Kernal]

Wow, great job. Is any particular type of assembly lube spec'd for the cam shafts etc?

 

[robertaleon]

Nothing as part of the reassembly, per se outside of oil on the thrust surface portion of cams per FSM and oil on the valve shims for the lobes to ride on as mentioned in Doug's DVD. That being said - with my complete valve job, Del's used lithium grease (IIRC) on all the moving parts and surfaces (bearing caps, cams, etc).

 

[robertaleon]

HG DONE!

HG job complete.

Had a good fight with the EGR valve and the distributor ended up a tooth off but she's all back together. Took for a test drive and no CELs.

I still need to set the timing and probably readjust the throttle cable since it's currently idling at 1400 RPMs per the Ultragauge. Once complete I'll put the hood back on; don't want to jinx things.

All things for next week - taking the family camping this weekend since I've missed them the past 3 weeks.

Thanks to everyone for their input as well as my family for letting me live in the garage, family friends for helping where they could, and my parents for their great courier service delivering the used head from the bay area to Sacramento.

 

[jfz80]

CONGRATS!!!! its got to be a good feeling. Now go enjoy some camping with the family.

 

[pkelly72]

Good job. I've been watching with interest. Happy to hear all went well

 

[Pin_Head]

Congrats!

 

[93yotasr5]

wow man, i guess when and if mine goes i know who to call for help.!!!

 

[arndog123]

Cool. It probably feels great to get that job done and not have to worry about it for a long time.

 

[Kernal]

Congrats on a job well done. How did the engine sound when you first started it up, louder than usual start-up rattle, quieter, or did you pump up the oil pressure somehow before you started it??

 

[robertaleon]

Best part of this job aside from no cooling issues - I got my cruise control back!

Maiden Voyage to work (18 miles) and ran like a dream - temps hovered around 177F-183F and radiator still full.

f#^%in' A - F$%^'in A ........ I love these trucks!


I just wish replacing the HG also fixed (revoked my membership from) "No D"

 

[robertaleon]

I finally had the nerve to clean out my inbox (to file) box on my desk and file my HG papers away in "Tanya's" folder/diary.

$2434.57 That's with my local dealer matching 'Net' prices. I obviously was not counting on $1500 of that (new 'used head, valve job).

That is certainly not something to brag about but wanted it out there for reference in case people start contemplating "While I'm there...."

I won't itemize but here is the gist of my job:

• Valve grind kit
• water pump (now I have a spare OEM)
• all new OEM hoses and clamps that you touch doing this job (various, PCV, egr, fuel)
• injector service
• OEM spark plugs
• OEM fuel filter
• OEM filter and oil
• new OEM head bolts
• Oil cooler gaskets
• Valve grind and adjustment, new seals from kit and new guides
• Used complete OEM head from junk yard
• Doug's DVD
• Misc tools ($100 for additional extensions, torx set, etc)

 

[pkelly72]

Wow. That is significant

 

[Seth_O]

Tks for committing this to a thread. Great info here for those of us that will be following in your footsteps.