exhaust ports and pushrod tubes, need to poll the World Brain Trust Options

[iankarr]

Hi Guys,

Making good process on getting the engine cleaned up and tightened so it leaks less (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif). I hadn't planned on removing a heat exchanger, but it was the easiest way to rotate the engine on the stand so I could have easier access to the pushrod tubes. Happy to report that the HE nuts came off pretty easily. But when I looked in the ports, the copper gaskets weren't as clean as I'd expect. Would appreciate it if the brain trust would take a look.

I have new copper gaskets, and was thinking I'd "true" up the ports on the HE before replacing. Any tips/thoughts on that?

Also, I've read a bunch o' threads on changing the pushrod tube seals, but would appreciate any real-world suggestions.

Finally...is it OK to work on the motor upside-down on the stand? All oil has been thoroughly drained. Anything to watch out for there?

Thanks!

[TheCabinetmaker]

I always flatten the headers with a very large file. Use a marker or paint on the edge of the pipes and file both together with long strokes till the paint is gone. Anneal the new gaskets with a torch to soften them. A dowel rod with some sandpaper glued to the end will help to clean up the ports on the head.

If the push rods aren't leaking, I wouldn't disturb them.