It takes X hours to...

[doctorj240]

I've taken the head off my KA about 6 times in the past two weeks trying to fix compression problems and I've gotten very efficient at removing and installing it. I timed myself yesterday and had the head off in 55 minutes. This includes removing the exhaust and intake manifold, turbo, etc. I just thought I'd brag even though I wish I wouldn't have to do it so often.

BTW I think my problems are with valve lash. I adjusted it today, but didn't have time to check compression before I had to go to work. So hopefully it works. If not, I'm pushing the car off a cliff.

[red240ne]

I did it faster than that with the engine out, lol. I'll brag too. I put my engine back in, with transmission still in car, in 10 min. a couple days ago. MUAHA.

[andrave]

yeah but how long did it take you to plug it in?

[klattr1]

yeah, its easy pulling off the head. I just unbolt the intake manifold from the head and leave it sitting off to the side in the engine bay without removing all those stupid hoses and wiring.Its another thing of putting the head back on. I hate the idler pulley and the little plunger that creates tension against the chain.Hmm, I wonder whats the deal with compression numbers for ya. Strange. Let me know if you find out the problem.

[doctorj240]

Before valve lash adjustment I had 140-60-60-60. Now I have 150-170 across the board, which is where it was before I had the valve job done except for the #4 which was at 120. So I'm doing better than before. The idle is still quite rough though. I need to set the timing also. It was a little advanced before the light I was using decided to crap out.

[huguetpj]

Now I have 150-170 across the board

That's great news doctorj

[rush0]

It takes me forever to get the intake manifold off. there are some bolts in crazy places.

[andrave]

that is true.

[doctorj240]

I leave the intake mani in place like klattr. Just unbolt it from the head. It takes about 5 mins to unbolt it. You just have to remove the fuel rail and egr to have easy access to most of the bolts with a swivel and 10" extension.

Anyways... I'm stumped now. #4 dropped back to 120. Everything else is 150-160. The lash on #4 was a little to tight so I switched out the shims for some thinner ones and compression dropped to 90. The battery was dying though so I'm praying that the numbers will be better after I charge the battery.

[NateDogg]

You shouldn't be re-using the headgasket. With all the time you spent you should just get a good used KA. Oh yeah and compression check it before you buy it :pface

[andrave]

or just have the head rebuilt, or buy a lower mileage head.

[doctorj240]

You shouldn't be re-using the headgasket. With all the time you spent you should just get a good used KA. Oh yeah and compression check it before you buy it :pface

Thanks for the extemely useful advice. I'll be sure to follow it next time. Do you think I went out and intentionally bought a crappy KA? My other block was shot so I bought a used KA. I bought the engine from a reputable person that I've dealt with before on several occassions. He said the engine was in good condition and that it ran well, had a new headgasket, etc. The only problem with it was the leaky valve in #4, which showed up after I installed the engine. Now its fixed. And it has a NEW headgasket. Everything is ok now and I'm a lot less stressed out. The engine now runs and idles fine. In fact, it runs better than the original engine did. So, I'll test it out a little more tomorrow.

[andrave]

don't be so testy, I don't think anyone was trying to get you hot under the collar.

[sil80drifter]

I'm at work right now, and just read through company policy... i wonder if getting someone "hot under the collar" is sexual harrasment or not...lol

sil80

[andrave]

dunno, the collar doesn't have any genitals located within 6 inches. I'd think its a safe place to get hot.