Re: 440-3 Cracked cylinder head replacement

LJ-TJ · June 14, 2012, 11:51 PM

Thanks Frank, called around a few guys tonight and came up with about the same answer and that's, that the valve might be open or closed what ever and I may be trying to open or close it by tightening the bolt. Ssssso I'll let it ride till tomorrow and go see the boys at the machine shop. Thanks for the help.

LJ-TJ · June 16, 2012, 04:15 AM

WELL! She fired tonight. Let her idle for about twenty to forty minutes and the oil pressure seemed good and the water temp seem to hold. Change out the oil and filter while she was hot and put fresh in. Going to take her out for a run tomorrow and see how she does. What can I say. I would have never attempted this project with out your prodding and guidance. Thanks Boys. Oh! I got $910.00 in the project. That's everything from the gasket kit, to two reconditioned heads,plus a rebuilt water pump, to the dodge blue spray paint.

ClydesdaleKevin · June 16, 2012, 07:02 AM

Outstanding! Great job!!!

Kev

burt6666 · June 16, 2012, 01:17 PM

Awesome !!!!

Elandan2 · June 16, 2012, 05:42 PM

We all knew you had it in you!! Rick

DaveVA78Chieftain · June 16, 2012, 08:54 PM

I seem to recall a post by a little lady who would not let you give up!

Seems she had a hand in this.

Let us know how it works out.

Dave

tiinytina · June 16, 2012, 09:43 PM

yipeee!!!! Thanks LJ for cracking the whip on the boy! Jam.. time is here! (I mean the Blueberry kind...LOL) need to start cranking on that... as well....

Tina

LJ-TJ · June 18, 2012, 07:20 PM

i?? Ok you rocket scientists how in the

do you set the timing on one of these things and I don't mean set the timing I mean get in up under the front tire and around the belts to get a timing light in there and see the timing marks on the timing cover not to mention reach the distributor. Hm?

LJ-TJ · June 18, 2012, 07:56 PM

Well she ran for a while any way. She's hard to start and has developed some kind a rattle. Maybe a bad push rod or valve or tapit...who knows. @#%8 it.

LJ-TJ · June 18, 2012, 07:57 PM

Looks pretty. Make a great boat anchor

Elandan2 · June 18, 2012, 08:01 PM

Since the PO had changed the transmission many years ago, I too had lost the timing marks on the torque convertor and had to find a solution to timing the engine. I manually moved the crankshaft with a socket on the front bolt and set the timing to 8Âº BTDC and then went underneath and painted a line on the harmonic balancer and oil pan. I then use that line to check the timing. It requires two people, or else a lot of patience to set the timing! (and a garage creeper helps too!!) Rick

Elandan2 · June 18, 2012, 08:10 PM

The engine does look good!! As far as the rattle, I think you'll have to be more specific. Is it coming from one side or the other, or does it sound like it's coming from underneath? Does it rattle at idle or under load? If you can isolate the location, the repair may be much easier. You're correct, it could be a pushrod or a collapsed lifter. A good diagnostic tool is a stethescope or a short length of garden hose. put the stethescope or hose against different areas of the engine and listen with the other end of the hose to isolate the problem area. Then you can open it up and see what you've got. Rick

DaveVA78Chieftain · June 18, 2012, 09:27 PM

Timing: I unbolt the radiator overflow tank and move it forward. I can then see the timing marks with a timing light. I move the distributor in small steps (vacuume advance discnnected) until I get it set correctly.

Noise: Use automotive stethescope as previously suggested to locate problem area. Then dig in. Yes I know very frustrating.

Dave

LJ-TJ · June 18, 2012, 09:54 PM

You guys never cease to amaze me. We'll see. Thanks Hm?

ibdilbert01 · June 18, 2012, 10:36 PM

You could get it close by ear. Start advancing it till it smooths way out (She'll be close to top dead center), then retard it a bit till she start to rough and you'll be close. This is how I timed my 340 as I have no marks either.

DaveVA78Chieftain · June 25, 2012, 09:45 PM

QuoteWell she ran for a while any way. She's hard to start and has developed some kind a rattle. Maybe a bad push rod or valve or tapit...who knows. @#%8 it.

I do not recall hearing what the issue was. I have the impression from other threads that you got it fixed?

Dave

LJ-TJ · June 25, 2012, 10:27 PM

Dave thanks to you I finally got to adjust the timing. You were right I had to get up under the wheel well on the passenger's side and take the rad over flow bottle off and swing it out of the way but it gives you excellent access to the timing marks on the harmonic balancer and the timing plate. Starts like a dream now. Needs a smidge tweeking. I haven't herd the rattle that sounded like a tappet or rocker but I plan on driving her around home for a bit.

DaveVA78Chieftain · June 25, 2012, 10:38 PM

Kool, glad to hear it was something simple.

Dave

Oz · June 25, 2012, 11:05 PM

I'm marking this topic as solved!

LJ-TJ · June 25, 2012, 11:17 PM

Yep! Thanks Mark

LJ-TJ · August 09, 2012, 11:25 PM

Well schools in and the Mechanics 101, 440 Head Gasket replacement is a success. Back flips,cart wheels,jump up and down it worked. With the biggest job I've ever taken on and it has been a complete success. How do I know? Lauren and I just returned from a 1000 mile trip trouble free. Can someone with NO experience change the head gaskets in a 1975 21foot 440 Winnebago?

? YES. I redid both heads at a cost of $800.00 dollars. Now it couldn't have been done without the guidance of Frank and Jay D and Tim and the rest of the gang and there encouragement. You guys will never know how much I appreciated your help and encouragement.

DonD · August 09, 2012, 11:26 PM

You ROCK