Part III
With the engine turned upright, place the lifters in their holes on the side of the engine (coat the bottoms of the lifters with cam lube before installing). Set the head gasket in place. Next insert the head studs in their respective locations and tighten them in place (This can be accomplished with a tool designed for that purpose or use two nuts on the exposed thread tightened together, which will enable you to tighten the stud. The purpose of placing the gasket in place before the studs is that if any of the studs are slightly bent it makes it difficult to slide the head gasket in place without damage. (Photo 13)) Next the head can be lowered over the studs being careful to ease it into place. Next install the four 5/16 rocker shaft studs in place. Insert the pushrods in place being sure they are seated in the lifters. (Photo 14) Now the rebuilt rocker shaft assembly can be installed. Place the special 3/8” nuts and washers in place on the head stud ends. Gradually tighten these nuts working from the middle to the outside to spread the pressure evenly until the required torque is reached (workshop manuals should contain the required sequence to tighten). Now install the four nuts on the 5/16 studs of the rocker shaft and torque these as required. (Photo 15)
Time to adjust the valves. Keep in mind that the most important number to remember when adjusting valves on a four cylinder / two valves per cylinder engine is 9. When the number six valve is open you adjust number three. Six plus three is nine (you knew that). When number two is open you adjust number seven. The nut of the crankshaft pulley can be turned with a 1 5/16” socket. Turn the crank till you see a valve being pushed open. Stop when it reaches the bottom of travel. Use the rule of 9 and adjust the appropriate valve by loosening the ½” nut on the rocker and turning the screw till a .015 feeler gauge placed between the rocker end and valve end has resistance when withdrawn. On a sheet of paper write down the number of each valve as you adjust it so you don’t miss any. When that is complete, install the side covers with their gaskets. I find that 3M weather-strip adhesive works well on these. (Photo 16)
In the next Part, the engine comes off the engine stand and we get oil pressure. Any questions can be directed to Ron at 281-346-2417 or e-mail ron @5RRestorations.com.