engine and drivetrain Final Engine Assembly and Installation Advice Requested

[Guest Anonymous]

After some false starts and parts delays the 1973 Tii engine is now a short block. I have a couple of concerns as I start to intall the front cover,head, flywheel, clutch assembly, etc.

1. What are the common errors or oversights that I might make that would result in leaks, or other unmentionable disasters ?

2. Is there a downside to installing the engine and transmission back in the car without the head ? I think it might be easier to get it back in the engine compartment without the head, especially since I will probably be doing it by myself. I also plan to leave off the water pump, alternator, and starter. Is this a good or bad idea ?

Any advice, or first hand experience gratefully appreciated.

Chuck in NC

[TheWolf]

leaving the heater hoses off/loose... hooking up plug wires wrong..

install the engine with the head on. It's almost impossible to make sure the chain is perfectly taunt once the lower front cover is on. Don't forget to thread the Tchain through the guide rail and the head gasket before installing it.

[robdelk]

my experience

build the motor complete less dizzy ,put motor at tdc #1 cam mark up etc

I usual put the water pump on but if you have the tranny out too no .

Put everything on except header / tii manifold

Time the pump tii and the cam and the dizzy's position out of the car

[Marty]

I also would put the head and and front covers on before puting it in its much easier to get the cam timing right and keep crap out of the works. Also when installing the front covers you'll see two small holes thru the head gasket where the head and the upper and lower covers come together, fill these hole with a dab of sealant to prevent oil seeping at this 3 way joint.

[ray_]

If u had the head milled, be sure the upper timing cover was also milled. Otherwise u will have never-ending headaches with a leak there. And I don't have to tell u it is a real pain to work on that area on a tii with the motor in the car!

Cheers,

Ray