In this segment, Classic Car Restoration host Mark Lambert begins re-assembly on the restored Chevy V-8 engine that will be reinstalled in the 1962 Corvette. In earlier segments, the drive-train was removed from the vehicle, and the body was sent out for stripping and fiberglass restoration. The engine has now been disassembled, cleaned with a pressure washer and other specialized cleaning tools. The engine was sent out to a machine shop so that the heads could be professionally cleaned and re-machined. In essence, a complete valve job was performed on the engine. The worn-out intake valves were replaced with new ones, and the deck-area of the heads were machined down -- or "decked" -- so that they are perfectly flat (figure A) for a perfect fit against the engine block. The engine is now ready for re-assembly in preparation for returning it to the vehicle. Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Engine-Head Assembly Materials: Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut drivers, etc.)
Torque wrench
Cylinder-head gasket
Engine oil
Eye protection
Steps:
- The cylinder-head gasket is installed dry onto the deck (figure B), making certain that the locator tabs on the engine are properly lined up with the manufactured holes on the gasket.
- Carefully lower the engine head down onto the newly installed gasket (figure C), again making sure to line up properly with the locator tabs.
- Coat the threads of the head-bolts with 30-weight motor oil to ensure that the can be installed with ease.
- Place all of the head-bolts into the openings in the engine head, and tighten them down finger-tight (figure D), following no particular pattern. (Once they are all in, the bolts will be torqued to proper specs following a specified pattern.)
- Use a torque wrench to tighten down the bolts (figure E), starting from the inside section of the head and working outward. It's very important to tighten the bolts in the proper torque sequence -- according to Chevrolet's specs for this engine -- to avoid damaging the head. Follow a spiral pattern, working from the middle section outward, to an initial pressure of 30 to 40 foot-pounds.
- Then go back and follow the same pattern to tighten the bolts to their proper torque specifications. According to Chevrolet's specs, each of the bolts should be tightened down to 60 foot-pounds (figure F).
- Once all of the bolts are tightened to spec, the next step is to install the push-rods in the engine head. First coat each of the lifters and the ends of each of the push-rods with engine oil (figure G), then place the push-rods into their holes so that they mate up with the lifters.
- Before installing the rockers, coat the assembly liberally with motor oil (figure H). This will help protect the engine in it's most vulnerable moment -- when it is started for the first time after restoration.
- Lay each of the rockers in place (figure I). During engine operation, the rockers utilize the energy of the camshaft to push up the push-rods, which in turn open the valves allowing the engine to "breathe."
- Once they are all in place, add more oil to the tops of the rockers, and place the rocker pedestal-pivots on top of each rocker arm.
- Install a pedestal nut on top of each rocker. Install the nuts bevel-side-up, flat-side-down. Once they are all in place, tighten them down with the appropriate socket (figure J).
- The nuts should be tightened to zero clearance. To do this, tighten each one down firmly so that the valve begins to move, then back off the nut to the point where it is just contacting the top of the valve. Tightened to this tolerance, the hydraulic valve lifter will automatically adjust through the life of the engine.
- Repeat each of these steps to install the other head on the opposing side of the engine.
In the segment that follows, the intake and exhaust manifolds are installed on the engine.
RESOURCES :
Corvette Black Book : 1953-2001
Model: 0933534477
Author: Michael Antonick
Corvette: The American Legend
Model: 0785343741
Author: Consumer Guide Editors
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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