Camshaft and Cylinder Head Inspection

1. Clean top of pistons and top of block:
a. Turn the crankshaft and bring each piston to Top Dead Center (TDC). Using a gasket scraper, remove all the carbon from the piston top.

CAUTION: Cover front of engine with a shop towel to prevent debris from entering the oil gallery opening and pan.

b. Remove all the gasket material from the top of the block using a plastic or wood scraper.

WARNING: Protect your eyes when using high pressure air.

c. Blow carbon and oil from the bolt holes.

CAUTION: Be careful not to scratch or score the cylinder block and head aluminum surfaces when cleaning.








2. To remove gasket material, use a plastic or wood gasket scraper. Remove all gasket material from the manifold and head surfaces.

CAUTION: Intake and exhaust manifold stud threads can be damaged during removal and must be replaced when a new machined cylinder head casting is installed. Be careful not to scratch the head gasket contact surface when cleaning cylinder head.

3. Using a wire brush, remove all the carbon from the combustion chambers.





4. Using a valve guide bushing brush and solvent, clean all the valve guide bushings.





5. Using a soft brush and solvent, thoroughly clean the cylinder head:
a. Intake and exhaust parts.
b. Inspect cylinder head for flatness. Using a precision straight edge SA9177NE (or equivalent) and feeler gauge SA91101NE (or equivalent), measure the surfaces contacting the cylinder block and manifolds for warpage. If warpage is greater than maximum, replace the cylinder head.





6. Inspect valve guides.
7. Inspect cylinder head for cracks. Using a dye penetrate, check the combustion chamber intake and exhaust ports, head surface, and the top of the head (around all bolt holes) for cracks. If cracked, replace the cylinder head.





8. Clean the valves using a gasket scraper, or wire brush, remove any carbon from the valve head.





9. Inspect valve stems and guides for wear, scratches, and burrs.
10. Inspect rocker arms.





11. Inspect and grind valves.

CAUTION: Internal lifter parts should not be mixed with other assemblies. Lifters are very difficult assemblies to repair and should be replaced as an assembly when testing equipment is not available.





12. Inspect and clean valve seats.





13. Inspect valve springs.





14. Check the hydraulic lifter diameter and cylinder head bore for wear.
15. Inspect and clean lifters (externally).
16. Inspect intake and exhaust manifolds. Using a precision straight edge and feeler gauge, measure the surfaces contacting the cylinder head, intake manifold and exhaust manifold for warpage. If warpage is greater than maximum, replace the manifold.