top end re-build

[lesholmes]

Looking for advise and help to remove and re-over-haul my twin heads on my 1978 124 spider. I have had a wet & dry compression test done and that seems to be ok I seem to have oil blowing by the valve stem seals. any help or advise would be great. thanks. Homer

[azruss]

Pulling the head on a twin cam is pretty simple and straight forward. Need to drain the coolant, set motor at TDC and set the e-brake. disconnect exhaust at header junction with the tail pipe. disconnect throttle linkage, pull wires and hoses after you take a full set of picture of everything. remove fuel line and plug. remove timing belt. remove the 8 headbolts and lift. Get a good manual and read it in case i missed anything.

[azruss]

Once the head is off, order a gasket kit, guides and seals, strip the head and take it to a good auto machinist.

[fiatfactory]

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[azruss]

I did remember there were 10 headbolts. not 8. Also check to see if the heater tube under the exhaust manifold has a clamp in the middle that ties to the exhaust manifold stud. That needs to be disconnected too.

[vandor]

> set motor at TDC

Why? I always make sure none of the pistons are at TDC when reinstalling the head. That way I am sure there will not be any piston to valve interference when installing the head.

[131]

> set motor at TDC

Why? I always make sure none of the pistons are at TDC when reinstalling the head. That way I am sure there will not be any piston to valve interference when installing the head.

X2.

[lesholmes]

Thank you -thank you you guys are great I feel a lot better to tackle the project,I see International auto parts have manganese bronze valve guides is it worth doing while its all open in there Homer.

[vandor]

The stock guides are cast iron and they works fine with stock valves. We recommend using the bronze guides with the stainless steel high-performance valves. We carry both type.

On your '78 the valve guides are likely the later type with 14mm outside diameter, but it may be best to check before ordering replacements.

[fiatfactory]

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[bradartigue]

Thank you -thank you you guys are great I feel a lot better to tackle the project,I see International auto parts have manganese bronze valve guides is it worth doing while its all open in there Homer.

I've never had a set of stock guides wear out. They're tough. "Manganese Bronze" sounds like a cheap sun tan lotion.