P/V clearance... Just Clay'd... At .010

[ForcedFirebird]

Wow. I jut put bout a pencil lead sized piece in there, that's a lot of clay.

[korn]

Each time I am aligning the timing marks, tightening the head down hand tight per the correct pattern, then slipping the timing belt, releasing the tensioner and doing a full rotation.

What was challenging was getting the right about of clay and lubrication so that it peals of nicely.

[jeffnhiscars]

i measure 4.895

... Cam timing was on, i did 4 full rotations on the crank with the clay, and timing stayed on...

I just noticed this. So you are tensioning the belt and torquing the head with old head bolts and the old gasket ?

[korn]

....certainly learning as I go.... Less is more.

[korn]

I'm not fully torquing the head bolts to spec, but am using the old gasket and old head bolts

[jeffnhiscars]

Each time I am aligning the timing marks, tightening the head down hand tight per the correct pattern, then slipping the timing belt, releasing the tensioner and doing a full rotation.

What was challenging was getting the right about of clay and lubrication so that it peals of nicely.

Ok. So it's tedious but not a huge pita. When you say hand tight you mean with ratchet and just snugging it down ?

[jeffnhiscars]

Ok I'll stop. We are tripping over questions and answers lol

[korn]

Ratchet with a little extra...

[e30sh]

If u have access to a dial indicator and magnetic base, get a couple soft springs from the hardware store and install in place of the stock springs. Set tip of DI 90 deg to retainer and measure by pushing down on the valve until it contacts piston as u rotate engine to it's closest point.

Good luck.

[korn]

If u have access to a dial indicator and magnetic base, get a couple soft springs from the hardware store and install in place of the stock springs. Set tip of DI 90 deg to retainer and measure by pushing down on the valve until it contacts piston as u rotate engine to it's closest point.

Good luck.

Negative. No access to such a device. i'm trying to picture that, I think my clearance issues are on the edge and that would just measure single point?

[jeffnhiscars]

I also think you need the cam to move the valves for any kind of accuracy

[korn]

I also think you need the cam to move the valves for any kind of accuracy

They are: the timing belt is on; tensioned and set.

So is it worth playing with these Pistons? Or should I go and order an MLS gasket?

[ForcedFirebird]

You need a thicker gasket. You would have to machine the piston domes to match the head, or machine the head to pocket deeper for the pistons, both are complicated processes not to be done by hand.

[korn]

OK... thanks for all the help/insight... After much thinking, claying and playing... I am going to be conservative and source another head...

Based on SOMs experience with the 2.05 gasket, and my measurements; i think I would get some "kissing," perhaps more...

Any after reading about MLS, and the potential sealing issues (i did not deck my block) and that's about $300 shipped... and two week wait...I am not going that route.

Thanks for all the help!!

[ForcedFirebird]

Drill the rivets out on MLS and spray each layer with copper. Never had one leak as such.