Removing head - new bolts and other questions

[smsag04]

I'm going to be pulling my head this weekend to helicoil a couple of exhaust manifold bolt holes and do some repair on the ears. I've scoured my service manual, but I've come up with a couple questions in planning the job.

1) I am assuming that I should go back with new head bolts. I haven't been able to find any purpose made for the 170. Will grade 8 hardware work?

2) I've got a new exhaust gasket, head gasket, and valve cover gasket. Am I missing any?

3) When I pull the head off, do I need to look for any loose parts coming off?

4) Yes, I know to drain the coolant.

Thanks for the help.

-Scott

 

[pedal2themetal45]

old head bolts should be fine unless you milled the head a bunch..
lossen or remove the rocker assembly pull push rods out. gaskets sound right...

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Scott:

Q- 1) I am assuming that I should go back with new head bolts. I haven't been able to find any purpose made for the 170. Will grade 8 hardware work?
A- Old head bolts will be fine. When assembling, do final torqueing to specs slowly. If it seems like you're getting too much turn without tightening, stop and try another headbolt. Too much stretch is an indication that a break is about to happen. Some here have used grade 8 bolts as replacements successfully. I'd recommend that you scrounge a set of bolts from a late 70' eor early 80' head for their waisted shank.

Q- 2) I've got a new exhaust gasket, head gasket, and valve cover gasket. Am I missing any?
A-If this is the original head gasket, or a steel shim replacement it will have a compressed thickess of about .025". Your new gasket will likely measure closer to .050". That will result in about a half a point reduction in compression ratio. The OEM steel shim gaskets are rare, so unless you're lucky enough to find one milling the head to compensate for the difference is your only option.

It is a good time to do a valve job while the head is off. Especially if you have to have it milled. New valve guide seals are also a good idea.

Q- 3) When I pull the head off, do I need to look for any loose parts coming off?
A- After you've removed the rocker arm assembly, remove the push rods carefully by giving them a twist as you pull. If you're not careful you can actually pull a lifter out of it's bore. Inspect both end of the pushrods for any sign of wear. If you see anything other then a smooth shinny ball look farther. It would be a good idea to disassemble and clean the rocker shaft, and rocker arm lubricating holes while it is apart.

Adios, David