Head Replacement

[zomb92]

Hey there,
I made a recent post about what sounded like an exhaust leak on my 92 Exploder Sport, well upon a compression test I have only 45psi on cylinder 6 while the others are about 170psi. This is a problem.

Looked up inside cylinder 6 and found that my exhaust valve burned up. Hey it could be worse huh?

Well my next plan of action is to completely replace the heads with new ones, because hey 160k miles on the original ones, its gonna be time for that soon anyways.

Ive replaced what feels like just about everything on the truck, so I am confident in my abilities to complete this job.'

That being said, it is my first head replacement. I was hoping for some input on the do's and don'ts. Please give me any advice, or maybe even direct me to a previous thread on the topic, i couldn't seem to find one.

Thanks y'all!!!

 

[recondrill]

Recommend you simply remove head (pretty straight forward, once you remove everything in the way) and take head to a shop to have valves ported and replaced.

 

[jd4242]

Recommend you simply remove head (pretty straight forward, once you remove everything in the way) and take head to a shop to have valves ported and replaced.

I definitely would advise against that..its a 90tm head...famous for cracking, probably will crack just from removing it.....

 

[zomb92]

Yeh I can't reuse the old ones. The spot around the valves is screwed up.

 

[tomjt714]

1) Minimum of 2 days undivided attention if you are doing this yourself.
2) 2-3 cans of PB Blaster. Exhaust manifold bolts as well as wye pipe will require much attention and soak time to get em out with out rounding or twisting off. When I replaced the heads on my 92 xlt, driver's side exhaust/manifold came off easy. Passenger side was a nightmare. Ended up pulling head with ex manifold in place. Look closely at the cover on your heater core. No room to maneuver anything. Remove first if possible.
3) New head bolts.
4) Top end gasket kit.
5) If possible, remove an ex manifold bolt, (2 different sizes, long and short), and try to find something similar in grade 8. Ford garage quoted me $7 ea. on the long, 5.50 ea. on the short. Re-used what was there, even though I really didna want to.
6) Consider installing ex. manifolds on new heads before placing on block. Hard on the back, but will save an extraordinary amount of time. If you go this route, take 2 of your old head bolts, cut the cap off so that you have guides to slide new head onto block.
7) The longest extension you can get your hands on to re-install the wye pipe to the ex. manifolds.
8) Patience....patience.....and a BFH.

 

[tomjt714]

9) TIE WIRE!!!! Power steering pump and AC unit are in the way big time. Lash those badboys outta the way.
10) There is a how to on this site.... Look under the "useful threads". I did mine about 9 months ago, and I used this "how to". Don't remember exactly where it was at. REMEBER...there are 3 torqueing steps. The lower intake manifold HAS to be torqued in sequence with the heads. Failure to do so results in leaking lower manifold and a huge waste of time and money.

 

[zomb92]

tomjt714, Thanks for your time writing that post! It will help loads.

I will go find that head right now. Thanks!

 

[zomb92]

I definitely would advise against that..its a 90tm head...famous for cracking, probably will crack just from removing it.....

How do I know what casting number head I have? You seem sure its a 90tm head but I have heard that they are 90tm or 95tm heads.

How can I tell? Where is the number printed on the head?

 

[jd4242]

How do I know what casting number head I have? You seem sure its a 90tm head but I have heard that they are 90tm or 95tm heads.

How can I tell? Where is the number printed on the head?

90-92=90tm
93-94=93tm
95-96=95tm
97=97tm
98-200*=98tm

Yes it should be marked on the head.the only replacements they make in aftermarket is 93tm or early style and 98tm or late model (they most likely will be advertised as 95-98tm but they ARE 98tm with the smaller exhaust ports, dont be fooled) you would need 93tm replacement if you plan to keep stock compression. 98tms can be used with 90-94 pistons but will raise compression to 10:1 and 90+ gas is recommended

 

[zomb92]

90-92=90tm
93-94=93tm
95-96=95tm
97=97tm
98-200*=98tm

Yes it should be marked on the head.the only replacements they make in aftermarket is 93tm or early style and 98tm or late model (they most likely will be advertised as 95-98tm but they ARE 98tm with the smaller exhaust ports, dont be fooled) you would need 93tm replacement if you plan to keep stock compression. 98tms can be used with 90-94 pistons but will raise compression to 10:1 and 90+ gas is recommended

So if I have a 92, then I should go with 90tm? I know I sound redundant, but I just want to be sure . I want to keep stock compression.

 

[jd4242]

90-92=90tm
93-94=93tm
95-96=95tm
97=97tm
98-200*=98tm

Yes it should be marked on the head.the only replacements they make in aftermarket is 93tm or early style and 98tm or late model (they most likely will be advertised as 95-98tm but they ARE 98tm with the smaller exhaust ports, dont be fooled) you would need 93tm replacement if you plan to keep stock compression. 98tms can be used with 90-94 pistons but will raise compression to 10:1 and 90+ gas is recommended

So if I have a 92, then I should go with 90tm? I know I sound redundant, but I just want to be sure . I want to keep stock compression.

90-94 will use 93tm aftermarket
95-200* will use 98tm in aftermarket

 

[jd4242]

Ill make it even easier. .run these...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170986040959

 

[zomb92]

Thank you!!

 

[jd4242]

Thank you!!

Check my edit.I found a set of engine quest heads..run those and they are cheaper.I run eq and many others have.they have stopped making them now so they are getting harder to find.good heads..

 

[jd4242]

Ignore the info they say about years..they are 93tm heads and only will work with 90-94!!! Odessa are morons. ..

 

[zomb92]

Check my edit.I found a set of engine quest heads..run those and they are cheaper.I run eq and many others have.they have stopped making them now so they are getting harder to find.good heads..

Sweet, those look even better. One more question, my rocker arms are in great condition, I am reusing those. Should I install new lifters and push-rods? Or if they are in good condition just leave them.

 

[jd4242]

Sweet, those look even better. One more question, my rocker arms are in great condition, I am reusing those. Should I install new lifters and push-rods? Or if they are in good condition just leave them.

IF they are then no.that price may be a misprint so I would jump on them.they have the same heads list on there page for $395 which is more like the price of eq now of days

 

[zomb92]

IF they are then no.that price may be a misprint so I would jump on them.they have the same heads list on there page for $395 which is more like the price of eq now of days

Ill be hopping on them tomorrow. I appreciate all of your input.

Will report back when finished, or with questions.

 

[jd4242]

Ill be hopping on them tomorrow. I appreciate all of your input.

Will report back when finished, or with questions.

Not a problem man.you do know your need all new gaskets and head bolts right??

 

[zomb92]

Not a problem man.you do know your need all new gaskets and head bolts right??

Yessir!