6v53 reassemble

I agree with sticking the rocker cover gaskets to the rocker covers, although i couldn't get on with genuine rubber rocker cover gaskets on an 8v71T back harvest time, they had to be stretched to fit, then wouldn't sit properly in the corners, even being held in with sealant.
Second attempt i ended up using the same profile of similar type strip material (off a roll) from Clark rubber. Used LOTS of Black Max sealant in the gasket groove on the covers, gently laid the rubber strip on the sealant, then sat them on a flat surface to even out until the sealant cured, before fitting. Worked really well. Having everything clean on assembly is very important too.
We are slowly winning with oil leaks on the GM, last few times i have lifted the cab i haven't even put overalls on!!!

180wannabe wrote: We are slowly winning with oil leaks on the GM, last few times i have lifted the cab i haven't even put overalls on!!!

Better check the oil ol mate.....
she's probably empty!

Mrsmackpaul wrote: leave it as is it will fine, if it torques up ok it will be fine

Paul

This is what I want to hear! I sort of feel the same way, but am still a bit nervous. If I use the International #2 compound as the manual suggests I wonder if the extra tension will hurt it. And even though it torques up OK what about when the engine warms up and it has the power thrusts on it?

wedgetail84 wrote:

Mrsmackpaul wrote: leave it as is it will fine, if it torques up ok it will be fine

Paul

This is what I want to hear! I sort of feel the same way, but am still a bit nervous. If I use the International #2 compound as the manual suggests I wonder if the extra tension will hurt it. And even though it torques up OK what about when the engine warms up and it has the power thrusts on it?

Its gunna be that loud when its running you wont even hear if somethings wrong
With all the second hand parts and bits and bobs your using I really think this is gunna be the least of your worries

Paul

Mrsmackpaul wrote: Its gunna be that loud when its running you wont even hear if somethings wrong
With all the second hand parts and bits and bobs your using I really think this is gunna be the least of your worries

Paul

I dunno - I hope not. Not sure what you mean by your last statement though, the engine only had 300 hrs on it - the pistons are still well inside rebuild spec, the liners I'm getting properly honed, the mains are as new spec, everything else is new unless you mean the crank (fully ground/polished) or the cams (measure in spec). I'll end up with exchange injectors, have pristine valves, very good heads. I'm confused as to why it will be the least of my worries - I'd rate the rear main cap coming and rooting the crank/block as pretty worrying and I don't think I've cut that many corners. Also it's a turbo and will have muffler(s) so it really shouldn't be that loud at all

:lol: all will be good Im sure but I reckon when you are tearing along in it you will hear every strange noise your nose will pick up every smell and your hands every vibration
At least thats what Im like when I have done major surgery on something

And it will still be loud I reckon compared to my old bucket of bolts Mack without a muffler


:silly: :silly: :silly:


Paul

yeah sure I get what you mean. I'm like that all over - it's pretty bad and I find the more gauges the worse it is. In the past I've found myself watching the oil pressure gauge more than the road and you start to imagine noises/vibrations etc. too...

I'd be disappointed if it didn't have a bit of screamer attitude though... At least I won't be driving it all day everyday

EDIT - sorry Paul, didn't mean to come across as pissed off. I misunderstood your post - sometimes it's hard to gauge tone on the internet!

So these threads are already keeping me awake at night... Re thinking my spare NA block - side by side I can't spot any differences between the turbo and NA blocks maybe the silvers were different? Also they have the same cast part number - 5136206. Does anyone have any hard info on differences between pre silver turbo and NA blocks?

The early motors had conventional head gaskets.Later ones have the rubber and steel rings shown.The beauty of it is that you can use a couple of old kits for any GM that cylinder size,and use the bits needed.,nothing leftover is wasted.Just put it aside for next time.On the compressors we would get 20,000hrs per full rebuild,with heads lifted at 10,000hrs to check valves and seats.You couldnt believe the abuse the labourers used to give these motors.Oil tipped into motors from an open drum,or using a sandy paint tin.Drum pump speared into a pile of dirt between uses.Motors left running all day during breaks,against refinery rules.Water from the fire system,with salt and chemicals in it.Some of the 4/71s were 40 years old.

When you torque up the bolts, lube them with a few drops of oil and keep retorquing them every day until the bolt stops turning. I've had bolts that keep stretching for a week.

If the thread doesn't strip now, it won't ever. Why don't you try torqueing down the caps now before you put it all together.