Head Removal Procedure Question

[rogi]

I'm pulling the left head on my SOHC 4L. Is it necesssary to set the #1 Cyl at TDC before removing the head, or can this be done during reassembly? The Haynes manual seems to infer the latter. I've already removed the cam sprocket-hope that wasn't a big mistake!

 

[cjmedina]

This could end up being a Big mistake since now you don't know where the other heads cam is when turned to 0. You could be 180 degrees out and end up bending valves.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Cylinder #1 at TDC on compression stroke

It is best to position cylinder #1 at TDC on the compression stroke prior to removing the left head. Since you have already removed the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt I advise against rotating the crankshaft until after removing the head. One of the valves could be fully depressed and might be struck by a piston. After the head is removed you can rotate the crankshaft to TDC and check the right camshaft timing slot. The slot should be below the axis of the camshaft and the #1 valves should be closed. Do you have the OTC 6488 timing tool kit to retime the camshafts?

 

[cjmedina]

Lets hope he didn't rotate the crank after he tightened down the gear bolt with out being sure the engine was at true TDC!

Cliff