SSI install while you''re in there questions
 

Hey All,
I recently bit the bullet and did what I have been wanting to do since I bought my 87 targa and started reading this board. I got a brand new set of SSIs and brand new M&k 2 in 2 out. Today I started the project and a few things have crept up that I didn't forsee and I would like some help.

1. The curved box wrench that comes with the SSI's...what the hell? It doesn't fit the 13 mm nuts that are to be used...what gives.. am I missing something or is SSI missing something? By the way, the nuts fit the studs so I know they are the right size (yes copper)

2. I was doing an inspection of the exhaust ports and I noticed that the one furthest front on the passenger side (#6 I believe) is much darker/carbonated than the others. THere are no big chunks of carbon, but it is mostly black in there while the others are mostly white. THe motor had a top end rebuild about 8K ago. SHould I be concerned, if so, why?

3. WHen I drained the oil tank, some white goop came out of it. Not too much but some . Any Ideas?

4. I noticed that there is an oil leak on the drivers exhaust valve cover. The lower nuts had just a tiny bit of oil on them. Can I just re tourque the nuts to spec and hope things work out? If so, is there a particular pattern to the tightening procedure?

5. How many beers does this project typically take? I drank about 5 while removing the old HE and taking of the oil line. SHould I buy more?

Other than this, everything has been smoooooothe.
Thanks for the help .

1. The curved wrench should fit your copper nuts fine. 12mm. Are you sure you have the correct mounting hardware? I bought the copper nuts off of Pelican Parts, and they fit the curved wrench perfectly.

2. ?

3. The white goop is probably moisture in the oil. Do you take a lot of short trips and not get hte engine very hot? You have to get the oil good and hot to burn off the moisture.

4. I got the valve cover gaskets with the silicone bead on them. It would be much easier to replace these while you have the HEs off. It would also be much easier to adjust the valves while you're at it.

5. I found installing the SSIs MUCH easier than removing the old ones. Not to mention the oil lines. I spent most of my time trying to get the oil lines off of the thermostat. If you've already finished removing the old ones, and fitting the new oil lines, I'd say your at least 75% there.

Don't forget to use plenty of high temp copper based anti-seize on the barrel nuts.

Looks like one beer for each question. You'll need at least a case to go back together.
The white stuff is most likely moisture, usually caused by not reaching a high enough oil temp to get rid of it.
Lower covers, maybe a little even fastening will help, but if it isn't causing a problem in your garage or in the car, I'd wait to change at next valve adjust. Now could be a good time to do that since you have a clear shot without the HEs in place. If you do adjust, check 6 more closely since you think you may have an issue there.
I don't know anything about the curved wrench, is it a 12mm box not a 13?
Good luck with the re install,

only for my act


I didn't like the "curved box wrench". I bought Snap-On 1/4 drive/universal/ 12 mm/short socket. Then a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter of any make. Other brands of same don't have as short a universal on the socket.

Weeping lower valve cover studs is common.


ps: I use nickel ant-seize

you need the curved wrench for one of the nuts. there were originally six holes through the stock exchangers to insert a long 8mm allen wrench to install the barrel nuts. SSIs have five holes. you use a regular nut in that position along with that wrench. the nuts come in 12 or 13mm wrench size and the curved wrenches can be either size also. the rest of the nuts are installed with normal wrenches and sockets.