Engine TDC required for replacing HG?

[doozergreengrass]

I'm about to do the head gasket job on my 5sfe. Is it necessary to have the engine total-dead-centre for this job if everything is going back on exactly where it came off? If TDC is necessary, do I just crank the engine then look in the plug holes with a torch til I can see the top of pistons 1 and 3? Apologies for a newbie question lol...

[LynchburgCSI]

If you're about to do this job, you should have a FSM (full service manual). And the answer to your question SHOULD be in the directions. If you don't have a FSM, let me know.

[doozergreengrass]

I do not have a FSM bro....just been going off everyone's usefull info here in TN.

[ScottyBlack]

as posted in the other thread its a good idea for it to be at tdc

[doozergreengrass]

Thanks for your detailed reply in the other thread ScottyBlack. You've been most helpful, and really appreciate yr contact details should I require yr assistance with this job

[Mister_Perkins]

It honestly doesnt matter if your motor is TDC, Just make sure you put a service bolt in the exhaust camshaft before removing it. And replace the head bolts.

Once you get the head off, Just rotate the crank side to TDC.

If you have everything TDC Already though, you can mark the camshafts with a paint marker Right where TDC is when you remove them. That way you dont have to try to align those little Dots on the camshaft. The Paint marker is bright and noticeable.

Just align the paint back up when you go to re-install them and your good to go!

[Fortified Souls]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

It honestly doesnt matter if your motor is TDC, Just make sure you put a service bolt in the exhaust camshaft before removing it. And replace the head bolts.

Once you get the head off, Just rotate the crank side to TDC.

If you have everything TDC Already though, you can mark the camshafts with a paint marker Right where TDC is when you remove them. That way you dont have to try to align those little Dots on the camshaft. The Paint marker is bright and noticeable.

Just align the paint back up when you go to re-install them and your good to go!

+ 1 I thought it was a big deal to when I first took the head off but its not. You can rotate it to Tdc when u take the head off. It's just when cylinder 1 and 4 are at the top part of the block to be pushed down for the compression stroke.

[LynchburgCSI]

Doozer, PM coming your way.