I have all the classic signs of blown valve guides/seals and want to pull the heads - leaving the engine in the car - and get them redone. The engine is a 454.
I am mechanically inclined and would like to investigate performing the removal and reinstall of the heads myself.
Any advice here? It would be great to find a step by step manual or video online but so far no luck.
Re: Repair help
Posted by Nick on 3/7/2020, 7:39 pm, in reply to "Repair help"
I am a GM technician and Machinist. Go to a parts store and purchase a motors manual for Your car.The install is the reversal of the removal. Get the head set and make sure they are for a 454. Install the heads and torque the bolts according to the manuals specs. After cleaning the rockers and push rods install them. There are 2 different size push rods. You have to adjust the rockers at top dead center for each cylinder. Turn the nuts until the push rod stops turning, then 1 complete turn. Read the manual so it is not done wrong. Adjustment can be done with the engine running, clips on the rockers, back off till rockers clatter and then tighten until quiet, then 1 turn. Google on the computer can look up Your information if You ask for it. It is not easy work but I have done many. Let Me know what vehicle You have and any more help You need. NICK L72 427impalasportcoupe
Re: Repair help
Posted by Nick on 3/7/2020, 7:20 pm, in reply to "Repair help"
Big block Chevy. The work is simple. Drain the antifreeze and remove any brackets on the intake, pull the distributor and mark #1 cylinder and remove it. Remove the valve covers and the rockers and push rods. Raise car and remove the exhaust pipes. Remove the exhaust manifolds. Take out all the head bolts and pry the heads off. If an AC car, take off the compressor and move it out of the way. Without knowing what vehicle You have, the instructions are basic. You may have to scrape the head gaskets from the block and sand the surface clean. I pull the drain plugs from the block so no antifreeze runs into the cylinders. Not knowing how many miles on the engine, I would check the ridge on the top of the cylinders. Did You do a compression and leak down test? The machine shop will tell You how bad the heads are. Get a good T square and check the block for trueness. The rings could be worn, depending on how bad the heads are. You might need the heads planed.They will install new guides and seals and check the springs. NICK L72427impalasportcoupe
on 3/7/2020, 3:31 pm