Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

First of all, I just joined the forum but I have been lurking for a while. You guys are a wealth of knowledge here. <br /><br />Now to the question... I just had the heads of my 1986 VP 305 engine rebuilt by a local reputable machine shop. The rest of the engine is still on the boat. This machine shop deals with a lot of marine engines. As I'm about to install the cylinder heads, manifolds, etc..., what are the typical rookie mistakes made during the installation process?<br /><br />BTW, I'm getting new marine gaskets (Fel-Pro) for the heads and intake manifold. My exhaust manifold gaskets are from Osco Motors. <br /><br />As Don S. says "Do it right the first time or expect to do it again", I want to do it right the first time.<br /><br />Again, thanks for all the great input you guys provide here!

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

You have a torque wrench right?<br /><br />Also, good practice to use new head and manifold bolts.

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

Yep! on the torque wrench.<br /><br />Good idea on the new bolts.

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

I would say the big mistake is not cleaning out the holes with a tap AND then useing the correct sealant on the bolts <br /><br /><br />And them you wonder were that leak came from <br /><br /><br />tommays

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

Did the same job. Lessons learned:<br /><br />1. Take pictures of everything BEFORE you remove it. Keep detailed notes and label everything (you may be past this step).<br /><br />2. When removing/handling the carberator, don't tip it upside down.<br /><br />3. Coat the thread on the head bolts with GOOD sealant.<br /><br />4. Coat the underside of top of the head bolt with a little grease. <br /><br />5. Make sure all mating surfaces are completely clean. <br /><br />6. I think there are little pins that the gasket and the manifold sit on. Triple check that these pins are in the right slots and that the manifold and gasket are mated correctly.<br /><br />7. Buy the original shop manual and read every procedure thoroughly BEFORE attempting the repair.<br /><br />8. Ditto the tourque comments<br /><br />9. Block all holes down into the engine with a clean rag so debris/tools/etc... can't fall in there

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

Tommays,<br /><br />How do you clean the head bolt threads? If you run a tap, doesn't all of the debris end up in your cooling system? How do you keep it from going to places you can't get it out of? Is the amount of debris insignificant enough that you don't worry about it?<br /><br />Boatgrunt,<br /><br />1. No pics, but I did take notes regarding wires and odd size bolts.<br /><br />2. Huh...I hope I didn't but I can't recall. What happens if you do?<br /><br />3. What kind of sealant is recommended?<br /><br />4. Okey dokey...what will this do?<br /><br />5. Yep. I'm working on that.<br /><br />6. Good advice.<br /><br />7. Yep. I have them.<br /><br />8. Have torque wrench AND sequence for toqueing the headbolts.<br /><br />9. Good idea. I just have to remember to remove all the rags. Ha ha ha...<br /><br />Thanks for all the tips. I did buy new head bolts today when I picked up the heads. I'm set to start assembling the engine tomorrow.

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

Smear some grease on the tap. The grease will hold the debris.<br /><br />Any good pipe sealer works great. This is what I use GM Pipe Sealant Part # 12346004

Re: Installing Cylinder Heads on a 1986 VP BB225B (305)

<br /><br />2. Huh...I hope I didn't but I can't recall. What happens if you do?<br /><br />3. What kind of sealant is recommended?<br /><br />4. Okey dokey...what will this do?<br /><br /><br />

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#2 - I was told that if you turn the carburator upside down, you can basically screw it up. I think any gas still in there can go into areas where it's not suppose to go. Not positive on the "why", but I figured why do it if it MAY be a problem. Maybe someone else can help me here...<br /><br />#3 - I can't remember the name of the stuff that I bought, but any marina can sell you a "good" gasket sealant. I was told by people on this board (I think even Don S) that the permatex product was not well suited for this application. <br /><br />#4 - lessen the chances that you snap a head bolt should you want to remove it again in the future