I'm in the process of putting everything back onto my 1.8 long block.
Problem is, when I try to work on the bottom of the engine by scooching down or using a creeper I end up getting dizzy and nauseous as a result of post-concussion syndrome.

I'm thinking of flipping the engine over 180 degrees while it's on the stand.

It would be so much easier to install parts that way. Especially the Heat Exchangers. Those are a pain in the butt to do upside down. Trying to put the gasket in place, then the exchanger, then the washer and then trying to catch the nut is not fun upside down, especially since I don't have much feeling in my pinky and ring finger on my right hand due to a Ulnar Nerve issue (and I'm right handed)!

Anyway, is it difficult to flip the engine?
Can any harm be done to the engine by having it upside down?

Thanks in advance.

It should flip easily. That’s one of the reasons for a stand.

It’s much easier to install and remove heat exchangers when the engine is upside down in a stand. No harm to the engine.

Excellent! That should make things so much easier.

Thanks.

Not a problem unless there is oil in the crank case.....

Can your engine spin on the stand with HX installed?

I installed my headers on the engine when it was upside down and then discovered I couldn't turn it over because the headers hit the arm on the stand. Had to take one side off and flip it over. It was one of those times I had to laugh out loud at muself for the stupidly.

If you got 2 extra pistons you can

I hope flipping the engine is OK. I probably rotated mine at least 100 times while building it.

@BK911

I could not spin the engine after installing the heat exchangers when buttoning up the engine. I thought about installing the HEs after assembly but didn't want to work upside down on the engine. So it took 3 of us to hold onto the long block + HEs to remove it from the stand and put it on a furniture dolly for final assembly.

I've been laughing at myself a lot lately......and swearing.

Yes, can install 1 H/E with engine fully upside down, then can do the 2nd one with engine partially tilted on stand, better than working fully upside down.

Yes, can install 1 H/E with engine fully upside down, then can do the 2nd one with engine partially tilted on stand, better than working fully upside down.

@74ravenna

It depends on the stand. It it only attaches to the top two points on the case it can bend the yoke when flipped. It happened to me. Was a cheap yoke. I rotate them 90 degrees to install the heat exchangers.

I pinch the copper gaskets slightly out of round so the stay in place and use flanged nuts rather than washers

90 degrees is certainly better than where it's at now.
I did buy some flanged nuts for this task....thanks.

Are folks annealing the copper washers or using any type of sealant?

Ditto to Joe