It's back in... and I have questions.

cashflyer · 06-12-2007, 04:17 PM

Maybe this should go to 911 Technical since it wasn't actually a rebuild?

Recently I undertook the task of resealing my engine - a 1981 3.0 na. It was running great and really didn't need an overhaul, but was starting to leak around the return tubes. I decided not to just replace tube seals, but to replace all seals that are readily accessible without splitting the case. (It's what my local shop wanted to do, but I have a lot more time than money for this so did it myself.)

Anyway, it was a great experience. Quite a change from American V8s and Harleys. I had a good bit of help from another Pelican, CarreraDan, who made sure I timed the cams and adjusted the rockers correctly. He also helped me install it back into the car last night after work.

Today everything got buttoned-up, filled with oil, etc. After priming the oil a bit I finally decided to install the fuel pump relay and give it a try. It fired right up!!

I know.... get to the point.

Two questions:

First, it seems to be idling a good bit higher now. Would my correction of a couple possible vacuum leaks now result in the higher idle? Where is the idle adjustment on CIS?? If there is a section in one of Waynes books, you can point me there. I have both the 101 projects and the engine rebuild book.

Second, it makes a lot of clackety-clacking noise now. Is this just telling me to readjust the rockers? Do I have to drain all that fresh oil back out to adjust rockers?

Thanks for your time and advice!

2.7RACER · 04:48 PM

You don't need to drain all the oil out to adjust the valves.
Simply raise the car one side at a time.
Of course block the tires and support the car safely.
With say the drivers side up, the oil will gravitate to the passenger side.
When you remove the lower valve cover, place a large shallow pan to catch the cup or so of oil.
Adjust cylinders 1,2 & 3. Double check the gaps, then button it up with a fresh gasket and hardware.
Now do the same thing on the right, passenger side. Same story you'll get about a cup of oil.
Don't leave it up all night or you'll continue to drain oil from the tank.
When you are all done, replace the lost cup or two with fresh oil.
For Aussie's and Kiwi's left is passenger and right is driver. Still works even down under.
I use the thick reusable valve cover gaskets with new hardware, low torque. No leaks.

CruiseControl · 06-13-2007, 02:06 AM

Doug, thanks for your consideration of us down under. Saves as doing the conversion.
Paul

cashflyer · 06-13-2007, 04:40 AM

Thanks, Doug.
Today I will slip out from work early and tackle the following:
1) Double check torque on all head bolts
2) Double check torque on header bolts
3) Readjust rocker clearances

I'll post up my results and/or findings tonight.

cashflyer · 06-13-2007, 01:58 PM

Left side complete.
1) A couple of head stud nuts seem to have loosened just a tad. Put the torque wrench to them and got the click within 1/4 turn.
2) Exhaust flanges show no blowby and bolts are tight.
3) Rockers all check to spec.

I'm about to go out and start on the right side, but thought I would check in to see if anyone has other suggestions before I close it all up later.

Thanks.

cashflyer · 06-13-2007, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the input, guys.

Keep in mind that we had just been through the engine, just short of splitting the case. Hydraulic tensioners were cleaned and checked prior to installation, and the cams were also cleaned and checked prior to install.

The noise reminded me of a solid lift cam that had the rockers out of adjustment. Unfortunately that noise is also similar to the snapping sound of an exhaust leak - which is why I double checked my header flanges and my head bolts.

Turns out the culprit is what I suspected:

Look closely and you'll see that the jam-nut had come off and was resting on the oiler tube. Luckily it did not work it's way down into the spring or into the cam lobes. It could have gotten expensive very quickly.

Dan and I had both worked on setting clearances and we checked each others work. I don't know how this came off, but I will keep a close ear for the noise for a while.

Car is now all back together and sounds really sweet.

Thanks again!