engine and drivetrain Cylinder Head Reinstall Questions

[B-Doon]

Hi Everyone,

 

It's been quite a while since I've posted here.  My '02 has been out of service since December of 2011.   I had a problem with two striped spark plug holes, and nearly  two years later and a lot of money spent on parts I need to get this car reassembled so I can use my garage again.  

 

I ended up having my original head completely redone after the machine shop found it to be cracked and warped.  It looks great, but that was a year ago.  I've delayed reassembly due to several issues, my lack of confidence in correctly reassembling it being the primary reason.  I want to know how you get the pistons on the block back to TDC on the first cylinder as well as making sure the head is also similarly calibrated.  During the tear down the timing chain slipped, and I am not sure the #1 piston was at TDC when I took everything apart.   Can anyone who has done this before offer some pointers?  Anything else I should do for an engine that has been sitting for almost two year without the head???   I would really appreciate it! 

 

Also, when I parked it, there was gas in the tank and lines.  No stabilizer added.  Any advice on how to deal with this issue?  I was thinking of replacing the fuel line, as I have no idea how old it really is.  How about the gas in the tank?  there was less than 1/8th when I parked her...

 

I appreciate any advice, you can spare!  

 

Thanks,

 

Brian 

72 inka in Phoenix

 

 

[Buckeye]

Read my post half way down in the post

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/142843-changed-head-gasket-will-not-start/

[TobyB]

The crank tdc isn't too hard- bring #1 to the top, and rock it back and forth.  There is a 'dwell' point where the piston

won't perceptably move.  Rock it back and forth until you're pretty sure you know how wide that point is-

then split the difference.  If you can make marks on the front pulley, so much the better- one for each end,

then split it, and MAYBE you'll find a tdc mark on the crank pulley.  Maybe.

 

The head's easier- make sure the line on the flange on the front of the cam

is in the middle of the 'casting flat' on the head itself.  Again, there's a little leeway for interpretation, but get it as centered as you can.

 

Then install the head, and put the chain and upper sprocket on.  You SHOULD be able to put the bolts through easily-

but it's not uncommon to have to wiggle just a little bit to get it to line up.  If it's way off, then it's time to double- check everything.

 

Not too hard,

 

t