Camshaft Refit

[Anthony Violi]

New cam fitted. Checking end float RAVE indicates .05mm - .35mm. Thrust plate has zero wear however my measurements indicate .65mm. More than RAVE suggests. I can't think of what I have done wrong. Checked new cam obviously RED. Does anyone have any ideas? Please help

[PhilipA]

I don't think it matters seeing all previous engines had no thrust plate and relied on the timing chain and the cam lobe slope to keep the cams in place.

Some engines used to rattle at idle and a thrust button which rubbed on the timing cover was a factory fix .

But in practical terms I would not be concerned.

Regards Philip A

[Anthony Violi]

Water pump gasket, RAVE says to strictly use Shell Retinax LX grease. Where can I find? Are there any alternatives?

[Keithy P38]

I've never used any form of sealant on a water pump gasket in the 7 years I've been P38ing. No leaks, no issues! As long as you've taken all the old gasket and sealant off and the face is smooth you won't have any dramas.

Cheers
Keithy

[TheTree]

Water pump gasket, RAVE says to strictly use Shell Retinax LX grease. Where can I find? Are there any alternatives?

I sometimes smear a little grease on the gasket to hold it in place while I get the bolts in, but it's just whatever I have in my grease gun !

Steve

[Anthony Violi]

ARP studs in, first torque 100 ft lbs done. Second torque, first stud top centre and stud pulls away, taking thread with it. My fear realised.
Do not know what to do next, help please?
Thanks
Anthony

[donh54]

100 ft/lbs sounds like a lot for something screwing into aluminium. IIRC that's about what we used to do M12 bolts up to for clamping pump flanges together.
I suppose helicoil or something similar is your next step, :(

[TheTree]

What a bummer mate :(

I did mine in three stages, I seem to remember 33, 66 then 100 and I had no problems at all.

A helicoil will do the job and give a very strong hold, but it's weird you stripped a stud like that.

I assume you cleaned out the holes in the block and got the studs all the way in ?

Good luck
Steve

[Anthony Violi]

Hand tightened using Allen key, checked all the heights, cleaned out holes, spotless. The only thing I can think of, perhaps Elgin gaskets too thick?
Helicoils not sure, some have had successs others not. Metal inserts another option. Do these options require engine out?

[TheTree]

Hand tightened using Allen key, checked all the heights, cleaned out holes, spotless. The only thing I can think of, perhaps Elgin gaskets too thick?
Helicoils not sure, some have had successs others not. Metal inserts another option. Do these options require engine out?

I can't see how the gaskets being too thick would cause a stud to strip.

Others will have opinions on helicoils v inserts, and you should not have to take the engine out to do them.

Maybe ask in the tech talk section of the forum ?

Steve

[Anthony Violi]

My mistake, forgot to use ARP fastener lubricant on block threads. Helps with tension loads on first several cycles. Lesson learnt. Relieved I don't need to remove engine.

[PLR]

My mistake, forgot to use ARP fastener lubricant on block threads. Helps with tension loads on first several cycles. Lesson learnt. Relieved I don't need to remove engine.

G`day ,

you may want to have a look at the ARP site and the updated December 2016 figures they now give . You still decide on what to use though .

I`ve used helicoil type for head bolts before and would be my preference because they can be fitted to the height wanted and the breaking of pins it .

[TheTree]

G`day ,

you may want to have a look at the ARP site and the updated December 2016 figures they now give . You still decide on what to use though .

I`ve used helicoil type for head bolts before and would be my preference because they can be fitted to the height wanted and the breaking of pins it .

I see they are now stating 70 ft lbs !! I guess I was lucky to get to 100 safely :o

Steve

[ozscott]

A few weeks ago I did 75 pounds using ARP lube into my 4.6 P38A block and it felt good and felt right. Cheers

[ozscott]

I use Permatex Aviation Formagasket on the actual gasket for the water pump. Just a bit of added protection. Use sparingly. Cheers

[Pedro_The_Swift]

would much rather use 100 than 70!!!!:cool:

[Anthony Violi]

Can I still use ARP studs with a helicoil?

[ozscott]

Don't see why not. I reckon stress on threaded hole of any sort has to be less than that applied by a torque to yield bolt...

Just make sure it's well bedded in and full length.

Cheers

[Anthony Violi]

Can I buy and install myself?

[ozscott]

I suppose so if you are absolutely able to get a perfectly aligned hole drilled. Mate if you are metro for a fee of about $100 a mobile guy should come to you and do it. I would let the experts do it mate. They do a lot of them each week and you only have one block..


Cheers

[PLR]

Can I buy and install myself?

G`day ,

that would probably depend on your experience .

If you can drill a square hole and use a tap then it is fairly simple . ( pretty sure there will be how to on the net )

You will have your own way of doing it , whatever your comfortable with .

To drill squarely you can fit the other studs in their holes and use them as a guide for the angle of the drill bit , both ways lined up will be pretty much square .

There are of coarse other ways too .

I use Recoil brand because where i am that`s what can be found local , most nuts and bolts ETC specialists will have a kit .

The tap is not a normal size , so is special but in the kit .

When i say kit it only has the tap the tool to fit the coils and some coils .

The drill bit is extra and not in the kit .

The drill bit size needed to drill the block is either 11.5mm or 29/64 .

The thread that was in the block ( before it was removed ) is UNC 7/16 or

the ARP stud end that you fit into the block is UNC 7/16 .

The coils have various depths and are measured in mm .

As suggested if you not comfortable and have the option of a mobile bloke it may suit your purpose , i don`t have that option and the kit and drill bit may cost more than a mobile bloke , long time since i bought mine .

Cheers

Edit = when i typed square hole i think i meant hole square as that make sense .

[Anthony Violi]

Correct me if I'm wrong. ARP studs 3 stages. Each stage to 100 ft lbs?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Glad to hear you fixed it:D
I asked for an even 4. add 25 each time around.

[ozscott]

Correct me if I'm wrong. ARP studs 3 stages. Each stage to 100 ft lbs?
The updated instructions for head studs from ARP is to 70 foot pounds. Pedro went 100. I emailed ARP and they told me the studs would break at 100... I would be wore worried about threads in the alloy before worrying about hard steel. Cheers