Headfix

[mazmonza]

I'm about to refit my cylinder head, should I fit the inlet and exhaust manifolds to the head first?

Opinions appreciated.

Maurice

[cfm65@me.com]

No Maurice,
I think it would make it far to cumbersome and heavy to manoeuvre the head into position.
Regards
Chris

[MikeSimon]

it depends on how many times you have done it and what your skills are.
The inlet manifold can be mounted relatively easy after the cylinder head sits on the block.
The exhaust manifold is a different story.
The manifold has to connect over the studs on the head AND to the two front exhaust pipes going down.
This is a difficult task and almost impossible when the cylinder head sits.
I found it the easiest to position the head over the block using a couple of large spacers and then maneuver the exhaust manifold over the mounting studs and on to the exhaust connection.
You may need another person for that. two hands may not be enough.

I think that was a good question and is not easy to respond to.

[Benz Dr.]

Technical information is not that easy to write and a great deal of that is relative to your intended audience.

[ja17]

I like to put the head on by itself with the camshaft only(spark plugs out). Snug the head bolts and connect the timing chain and install the tensioner. Double check your valve timing marks and distributor orientation. At this point you can torque the head to specs. Next, temporarily snug the exhaust manifolds to the head by themselves.  You can easily bolt and tighten the front pipes to the manifolds now. Next loosen the exhaust manifolds at the head so you can install the intake manifold. Next do the final installation and tightening of both intake and exhaust manifolds at the head. I like to install each rocker arm and adjust the valves one at a time, while rotating the engine, till all are installed and adjusted. Before installing the plugs, crank the engine with full throttle until fuel emerges from each loose injector line (at the head). Tighten all the injector lines install the plugs and start the engine. You may need to coax coolant into the system before it starts to circulate on its own. The top tank of the radiator will become hot when the thermostat finally opens and coolant begins to circulate. Do not run out for a test drive before you properly "burp" the cooling system or you may overheat the engine. Factory Workshop Manual BBB suggests re-torqueing the head after first warm-up and then again after 500 miles. Adjusting the valve again at these intervals, after engine cools down, will get your engine nice and quite.

[MikeSimon]

No doubt a nicely written procedure with all the important details to be observed! I think the OPs concern, however, was how to handle the manifolds and I think for a good reason. I find it extremely difficult to fit the exhaust manifold between the head and the connection of the exhaust down pipes with the head in place. Maybe it is just my car....

[Paul & Dolly]

Are there any specific problems for a Right Hand Drive installation ? as there are two of you doing this job in UK now, you and Por911T4

Paul

[mazmonza]

I asked the question because with my car being right hand drive, when I  tried  to take  the manifolds off prior to taking the head off I couldn't get the inlet manifold past the brake servo until I loosened the head.

Maurice