Any body got any secret tips when i put this thinkg back together? I got the head pressure tested and shaved and bought a factory gasket, then #1 tdc and the cam gear straight up. Any thing else?

make sure the block is nice and clean. other than that, good luck! you definitely went the safest way with a factory HG <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I just did this on my 86 22R. Ended up replacing the water pump too. Bad temp gauge and on startup, after the gasket change, it seemed to be overheating. No system pressure either. I changed the themostat and radiator cap too. The radiator cap brought the system pressure back immediately. The water pump was not OEM and neither was the radiator cap. Water pump $82 and cap $13. Any doubt about your cooling system, now is the time to check it out. I installed my distributor one cog off. It started but barely ran. Ran better with the distributor maxed out one way. So I moved it a cog and it was fine. I set the valves .007 intake and .011 exhaust cold. After warmup I ended having to readjust to .008 and .012. Next time I'll set the valves cold to factory suggested .008 and .012. I didn't use anything on the gasket, since it wasn't recommended in the SM. New valve cover gasket with the half moons RTV'ed in place. Timing set to 0 deg. TDC. All is good. I used the ARP studs in place of head bolts and torqued to 80 Ft Pds. Not sure if I need to retorque, but probably will.

hope this will helps.
1. drain all anti freeze from the radiator. flush the system. ass water to the coolant engine. add [color:"black"]head gasket[/color] sealant. top up the engine with water and then bleed the air. continue topping until full. replace the radiator cap. hope that this helps.

be SURE to "blow" out the head bolt holes with compressed air .. and use a good "slip compound" such as ARP on your bolts .. VERY important !!


.

Common practice is to retorque them after about 500 miles; also recheck the valve clearance one more time while you're in there.

The only place RTV needs to go is on the paste lines at the front corners, and a light coat on the half moons when you're setting the valve cover back on.

Sounds like you've got a handle on things; good luck!

6 year old thread bump lol

I guess so!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

How the heck is life treating you meester? Good to 'see' you out here, and with an FJ. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />