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Overhauling
the 4.9
Taking it apart.
We got one head off the same day we
pulled the engine. Everything looked pretty good. Be aware the
the head bolts are VERY TIGHT!,... as in a 1/2 inch breaker
bar with a pipe on the handle!! Be sure to have the engine
mounted securely as it could tip the engine stand when you
pull on the wrench to loosen the head bolts. |
Click image for a closer look |
Click image for a closer look |
As you can see, the engine is
quite clean considering the 250,000 km's it's traveled. It's
important that you begin with a good running 4.9. Coolant
leaks into the oil will ruin the bearings and makes a poor
candidate for a rebuild. |
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These are the heads as
they came off.
They look like sturdy heads, no signs of
head gaskets failing, more than I could say about most Chevy
small blocks at this mileage. I pulled a couple of valves out,
and the valves & guides were in great shape. Below are
close-ups of the reconditioned heads. |
Click image for a closer look |
 |
The timing chain was in
surprisingly good shape. Of course we won't be putting it back
in.
Notice the cam button. |
Click image for a closer look |
| You will need a 3-jawed
puller for the crank pulley. Don't try to pry it off, it's
tight and you don't want to deform the time timing chain
cover! |
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Absolutely no ridge can be
found in the cylinders!
If the cylinders don't come out when you remove the pistons,
carefully wiggle the with a couple of screw drivers and gently
lift them out. They must be marked so that they can be
returned to the same place in the block and in the same
position. An engraver will work fine, just don't mess with the
top gasket surface. |
Click image for a closer look |
Click image for a closer look |
When I inspected the cam, I
found one lobe that had a small hole through the hardened
surface. Now we need to find a cam. |
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We have acquired all the
parts at this point. My son, the owner, met up with someone
who operated a machine shop near his work who offered him a
great deal on balancing. My opinion was this is not a high RPM
engine, or highly modified. I didn't see any real gains to be
had in balancing the engine, but how do you pass up a good
deal. We are still trying to track down the guy after nearly 4
months!
I'll keep you posted. : ( |
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