Pulling heads
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 136
From: SoCal CA
Pulling heads
Hey guys. I'll be replacing my head gaskets this week. It'll be my first time but Im sure I'll be fine... I hope. I wanted to ask, I have the non-adjustable Harland Sharp rockers, do I just simply unbolt them to remove the head and just put them back the same way? Thnx. BTW, any DIY links would help.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I have the same HS rockers. If you're replacing gaskets with same-thickness gaskets, the HS's will bolt right back in the same way you originally installed them. Make sure you mark them and the pushrods by position so that each is returned to its same exact location. Check them carefully, along with the top of the valve stem, to ensure they are in good shape before reinstalling them. Remember that the center dowels float so be careful not to drop them when removing the rockers.
Here's a link to an LS1 head swap.
Head swap how-to
My Harlands.
Here's a link to an LS1 head swap.
Head swap how-to
My Harlands.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I figured the SM would have you pull the wp but the procedure has you leaving it in place - go figure. I initially installed ARP head studs so subsequent head removal was immune to the coolant-in-the-boltholes issue.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 136
From: SoCal CA
Cool, thnx guys. As for the rockers, do they just bolt right back up,or do I need to turn the motor? Some were a little hard where the spring was compressed. Just hoping they go right back on and torque them down. 22ft/lbs right?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
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From: Winter Park FL
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: SE TEX
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I always follow the exact procedure in the service manual and rotate the crankshaft until the number one piston is at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke. In this position, cylinder number one rocker arms will be off lobe lift, and the crankshaft sprocket key will be at the 1:30 position. I torque the listed rockers to spec, rotate the crank 360 degrees and torque the rest. Call me **** but I like following SM procedures. Others disregard this with no apparent issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
