no problems so far with the removal. but i have a couple q's.

about the first pic. the tab for that set of lifters isn't applying pressure to that part where the lifters go into. im not exactly sure what these parts are called but i just wanna know if this can create a problem and if i should bend that tab some so it touches where the lifters are. there's about a 3/16" gap.

also on the second pic. should i go ahead and try to clean out some of the carbon on top of the pistons? it's a very thin layer. i'll start to clean off the gasket material tomorrow and hopefull will be done by the end of the day. but i need to read up on setting valve lash. i'm still a bit unsure on how to set it.

thanks

 

2

 

dont worry about the spreader those pieces only keep the lifters from spinning. If you want to clean the tops of the pistons go ahead make sure the piston is to the top of the bore or you run the risk of marring the cylinder wall. You should have done it before you pulled the heads, but drain the block or you may have problems with your head bolts sealing properly and could spin a bearing with coolant in the oil. Make sure you use teflon pipe sealant or some other non hardening sealant but never use silicone on the threads of the head bolts. make sure you torque the head bolts in the proper sequence in sets of three with the final torque to 65 to 70 ftlbs. I use 25 then 50 then 70 myself following the sequence in the sop manual. If you dony have one get one. If you cant get one start from the center and work your way outward tightening opposing bolts in sets

 

thanks i got the block all drained and ready to flush it. i bought a wire brush from auto zone and used it on the pistons. came out nice and shiny.

 

well since you already did it, i suppose it dosnt matter.

But i wouldnt of bothered cleaning those pistons up, they actually look pretty clean already.