Questions regarding pulling a head

[SHOtimer]

Ok I am going to be removing my heads and getting new HG's. I have several questions that I will list.

1. I am considering getting the valve seals and guides replaced. Is this something that a competent machine shop is capable to do to our heads? How much does that usually run?

2. If I am pulling the head just to redo the gasket and it wasn't overheated does the head need to be resurfaced?

3. When removing the cams the Helms talks about removing them with the chain and tensioner still attached. Is it ok to remove them one at a time with the chain and tensioner already disconnected?

4. When reinstalling the cams the Helms states: "The number 5 cylinder head camshaft journal caps function as thrust bearings for the camshaft. Always tighten number 5 cylinder head camshaft journal caps first."
-can somebody explain that a bit more in 'laymans' terms? I am not sure exactly what is being said there....since each cylinder has two cams.

Thanx, Doug

 

[SHOtimer]

Bump. Nobody knows the answers to these questions?

Doug

 

[rangerj]

Why are you removing the heads to replace the head gaskets? Do you have a blown gasket? The valve seals can be replaced without removing the heads.

Do you have worn valve guides?

Do a compression test. If compression is OK and all you want to accomplish is to stop the oil burning due to worn valve stem seals, then replace the seals without removing the heads.

Yes, a quality machine shop can replace the guides and valve seals if necessary. Machine shop rates vary in different parts of the country so get an estimate for the work you want or need to have done.

The heads should be checked in order to determine if they need to be planed. If they are within specification they will not need any machine work on the mating surfaces. Helms gives you the specifications for the amount os "out-of flat" (or warpage) that is acceptable. The valves may or may not need to be ground, and the valve springs should be checked for tension and hight. The valves should be checked for straightness. As a minimum the valves and the combustion chambers should be cleaned to remove the carbon build up.

The #5 bearing cap serves as a thrust bearing and controls the front to backward movement (thrust) of the cams in the journals. Setting this bearing cap first sets the cams in the proper position for the rest of the bearing caps. The Helms manual proceedures are the procedures specified by Ford and should be followed for the best results.

 

[SHOtimer]

I am going to be swapping this motor into my SHO, so I am going through it to make sure all of my bases are covered before I put it in. The motor is out of a '93 ATX with 130k on it.

I am doing the rod bearings, all gaskets, sensors, and just refreshing it.

I figured that I should get the 15 year old 130k mile valve seals replaced so that I don't have to deal with any oil consumption concerning them in the future. And have the rest of the head looked over by the machine shop for condition and any other stuff that might need to get done. I don't have an infinite budget so at a minimum I want those seals replaced.

Oh, ok that makes much more sense now concerning the cam thrust bearing.

I am also getting an oil leak at one of the corners of where the block and head meet where an oil drain hole is (this happens whenever oil is drained down it). The source of oil is not from outside the motor and I have a feeling that the oil drain seal on one of the HG's is not good. So, as precaution I am going to replace the HG's and while the haeds are off have them inspected and have the seals replaced.

Thank you.

Doug