head gasket in the rain

[tercle]

Does it matter if the head gasket and block get rained-on a little when you are replacing a head gasket?

[dlb]

everything should be clean, dry, and free of rust when assembling it. if there is some light rust, carefully remove it without scoring the head, block, or gasket. a very small, superficial amount is not a big deal but aim for none.

[Petros]

not likely a little moisture will affect it much, after first run-in, when it heats up, it will all be vapor. the silver coating on the head gasket is graphite to allow the aluminum head and the cast iron block to expand at different rates, which means there is actually motion between head and block, but yet the sealing in of pressures, coolant and motor oil are not affected. So I would doubt a bit of dampness during assembly would make any difference, there is no soild seal to be harmed.

[tercle]

I was hoping to do it before the weekend.
Looks like I won't have time until Saturday, and the weathermen claim it will be less rainy then.

The cylinder walls are greased and the top of the block is covered with an oil-soaked rag to limit rust until then.

The head has new exhaust valves and valve stem seals and an extra washer under each spring.

[Petros]

excellent. make sure you clean the top of the block with carb cleaner good before you install the head and gasket, the head face and top of block must be shinny clean. white paper towels should come away clean off both head and block mating surfaces, and remember to use some thread lube on the head bolts at the threads and the washer. Good luck.

[tercle]

Head done.
The timing belt tensioner didn't feel right, so I got one at Napa.
It didn't start at first once I had the head and stuff on, and I wasn't confident that the belt had stayed on the right teeth on the lower pulley the whole time, so I pulled the lower timing cover to check.
It was ok, but now I had a chance to upgrade the tensioner.
I got it together to the point that the water pump pulley, alternator and alternator belt are in place.

This thing has Air Conditioning, so there are added obstacles to contend with.
I am leaving it on for now, because some years we can get up to a week of 80-90 degree temperatures!

It idles too fast, but it was in the 40s and I didn't run it long with no coolant or radiator.