Lifters dropped from the head, what to do?

[Patch]

So I get my head back from the machine shop today. Shaved .22 off, so I ordered my 2mm headgasket.

Took the head out of the car and set it on the trunk deck. Still in the bag and everything.

Friend comes by to check it out. I'm at the front of the car getting stuff together and I hear "oh sh!t"

Turn around and I see 9 exhaust lifters laying in the bag beside the head.

What do I do? I'm so frantic and stressed right now its ridiculous. Buying a new valve and lifter set would break the bank.

I have spare head on my block with rod knock. But its already been cut previously to fit a 3mm hks headgasket. I can order another if needed, but it can't be shaved aanymore.

[Supracentral]

Are you saying that the shim buckets just fell out?

It's not a problem, they drop right back in. They just sit on top of the valves.

[TurboFreak]

Are you saying that the shim buckets just fell out?

It's not a problem, they drop right back in. They just sit on top of the valves.

I thought the shim buckets had to go back in the place they came out of in a used motor, hence, why everyone always seems to label them. This is just what I've heard, I could definitely be wrong (and probably am when I oppose a person like yourself)

[p5150]

I thought the shim buckets had to go back in the place they came out of in a used motor, hence, why everyone always seems to label them. This is just what I've heard, I could definitely be wrong (and probably am when I oppose a person like yourself)

They label them so that they know what valve they mate up to so they dont have to re-measure their clearances. Shims come in multiple thicknesses. Thats how you adjust your valve clearances. All you have to do is:

Measure shim thickness of all shims before they go back into the motor and record their location.

Install the camshafts, measure clearances and record.

Swap shims accordingly to bring specifications into clearance. You may need to purchase some shims to make this happen.

[Supracentral]

Exactly - labeling them makes it easier, but it's not a complete disaster. Measuring them and adding the appropriate shims isn't that hard and/or expensive.

[Patch]

Alright ill give a shot. Hopefully it'll work.

[Supracentral]

BTW - shims are not expensive but certain sizes can be hard to get from Toyota.

[Patch]

The TSRM goes through checking the clearances with the motor together, where the crank can just be rotated to move the cams. i just have the head by itself, the block is still down for the build.

[Patch]

oops vforgot to ask the question of the post- should i just turn the cams and check clearance? this is the first time ive had to do this if you cant tell.

[92nsx]

Yes you will eventually need to turn the cam to mesure all of the clearances. Just make sure the "lobe" you are checking is pointing up (valve closed 100%) and then do you mesuring. If checking on a bench make sure there is lots of cushion under the head, we dont want to damage the valves now do we.

Intake side is .006 -.010 in.
Exhause side is .008 - .012 in.

Now if your cams are bad or out of round that is another story.

[Patch]

Cams are good, just ran emery cloth over them so they're nice and smooth.

[Supracentral]

You really should do this with the head on the motor. Even the most even torque loading of headbolts might cause some deformation in the head.

You can get it "close" with the head off the block, but you'll need to recheck it.

In general I just do it with the head on the motor - it's far more accurate and wastes less time.

[Patch]

Ok, thats exactly what i was thinking. when the headgasket comes in ill put the head on and then install the cams and check clearancing.

[americanjebus]

I have something you can look at for reference. From my old build thread.

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showpost.php?p=529444&postcount=12

[Patch]

Cool that will help thanks

[Patch]

I was told to take a long and run it across the block deck then wipe the deck down with brake cleaner before I do the headgasket install. Is this right? Never heard this method before.

[gaboonviper85]

If the block wasn't surfaced for a metal gasket then yes you should lap the block with lapping compound and a lapping block or a huge honeing stone....then clean it up with degreaser...