[P38] Exhaust gases in coolant

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Been away all week so only getting back to it this morning.
ARP studs have gone in nicely, but I can't for the life of me get the pushrods back in their place.
They came out so easily, but now some of them are being impossible to replace.
Is there a trick to it?
I tried replacing the pushrods before setting the head down, but that stopped the head from sitting nicely.
Pic attached

20250322_125707.jpg
 
They'll be pushing against the valve springs. I put mine in with the valve bridge unbolted and then bolted the bridge down (using the sequence in RAVE). As you tighten the bolts down, the valves will open on those valves that are being acted on by the camshaft, but the pushrods will be in place. I do each bolt a little at a time so nothing is bending.




Screenshot 2025-03-22 at 13.14.22.png
 
Last edited:
MrGorsky said:
They'll be pushing against the valve springs. I put mine in with the valve bridge unbolted and then bolted the bridge down (using the sequence in RAVE). As you tighten the bolts down, the valves will open on those valves that are being acted on bythe camshaft.




View attachment 337601
Click to expand...

That's how I usually do them ...
 
Good news, both heads are on and have been torqued down to ARP spec (although that doesn't feel very tight!)

Next step is the exhaust manifolds, I made a start on them but the new gasket slipped between the heat shield and the engine block, so I called it a day. I'll try and get it tomorrow and continue. If I can get the manifolds and heat shields done, then that's the hardest parts out of the way.
 
Afternoon folks, been fitting the exhaust manifolds today. All but one went in without issue - the one by the steering shaft may have gone it at a slight angle, so I'll need to take it out and check I haven't buggered the threads.

Another question - is this one of the notches that's supposed to be sealed with RTV? The diagram isn't too clear
20250323_144129.jpg
 
They are the notches yes.

I run the bead all the way along that top edge too so it joins up with the notch on the other side. And go around the coolant ports at the back and front.

I've always has a weep of coolant from this area unless I seal EVERYTHING!
 
Do you think I can remember where I put the valley gasket clamp bolts? Not a chance. It feels like nothing fits.
Also, is the correct order (from top to bottom) clamp, seal, gasket? My RAVE manual seems to skip straight from rocker cover to cylinder head.
 
yes the valley gasket first, you've really got to push it down quite hard so the ports line up, the rubber gasket at each end, with the clamps holding them in place
dont tighten the clamp bolts until the inlet manifold is torqued up
 
Afternoon folks, it's been a busy week so not been able to spend much time on the car.
Does anyone have a link to where I can buy the bolts for the valley gasket seal clamp? I've tried each bolt that I thought was it, but none of them seem to screw in after the first few mm. I figured it would be quicker to buy new ones than find the originals.
 
blue_cheese said:
Good progress today. Intake manifold and all ancillaries are on.
Tried fitting the aux belt, but it has defeated me today. Rubber kept getting twisted and jammed in the fan blades.
Will continue tomorrow if the weather permits.
Click to expand...

Just remember groved side goes on a grooved pulley and smooth side goes on a smooth pulley.
 
Belt is on now.
Guide says to fit the rocker gasket to the heads first, and then place the cover on top.
How the hell do you get the gasket to stay in place? It's all over the place!
I've put some gasket goo on it now and have left it to set, hopefully it'll stay put tomorrow when I try again to get the cover on
 
A lesson in over tightening. Now I have one less bolt holding down the drivers side rocker cover.
20250402_154734.jpg
Rest is reassembled, with only two bolts left over, not as bad as I was expecting!
Turned over and started fairly easily, but I didn't run it for more than a minute because the coolant is filled with plain water at the moment and there was quite a lot of smoke coming from the exhaust manifolds - hopefully just steam because I spilled water on them. Passenger side tappets were quite loud too, but might be because there's little oil.

I'll get some proper coolant (red stuff?) and fill it, then let it run a bit longer.
 
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