Engine Assembly
 

Is it possible to install all the rockers in the cam case, adjust the rocker screws all the way in, and then install on the heads? And not hold a valve open?

Then how would you torque the cam tower assembly to the cylinder heads with rockers in place? To remove the cam tower from the motor, you need to remove all the rockers and shafts to gain access to the fasteners. Do you recall how you separated the cam tower from the motor during your recent rebuild?

Tony

so now you have to line up 6 rockers so they will be able to push the cam tower on?

I would not do it that way.

Tony, I do remember taking the rocker shafts and rockers out before. I had this random thought…

Good Recollection……….
 

You can not install the cam tower onto the motor with rockers and shafts in place because you can not torque the nuts correctly. With rockers installed, how will you install the cam shaft? So the rockers and the cam shafts have to wait until the cam tower is installed and torqued correctly. The cam shaft goes first before the rockers.

And I prefer to install the chain housing before the cam goes to the cam tower housing.
You will find out why this way as you get to assemble your motor.

Tony

I do it different than most. Lay the heads in line, swab sealer on the cam tower, install on the three heads and torque the nuts, install cam, install rockers, turning the cam lobes away as needed, torque the shafts, turn cam keyway to 12 o'clock and install on engine which is in TDC position #1. Saves lots of time. Someone will surely say the the cam might be binding and you'll never know. Worked for me 40 years, YMMV.

I like your procedure John. Could you give a general overview from that point forward? I’m guessing:

Heads to Cam Case/Tower
Rockers and Shafts in CC/T
Head/Cam/Tower to Cylinder/Engine Case (Cam to 12 noon, crankshaft pulley to TDC)
Chain Boxes to Case/Tower
Chain guides, idlers, cam sprockets, tensioner's
Time camshafts
Rocker Covers
Chain Case Covers

This is done on the bench first, not on the engine yet. Install the assembly over the cylinders, Engine sideways on the engine stand. Flip it over and do the other side. Chain housings, sprockets, tensioners etc, cam timing, valve adjust, covers on.

I assemble basically as JW does but I turn down the crank from Z1 so pistons are inside the cylinders so there is no contact valves to pistons. Heads on, torqued, turn cams so keyway is up, then bring crank to Z1. Everything is lined up to install chain boxes, etc.
Bruce

There really is no contact @Z1 as long as the keyways are @12 o'clock.

thanks guys!