PerformanceTrucks.net Forums - In-truck engine surgery complete.

I just finished installing the new piston and new head. It ran fine, but had a bit of KR just driving normally, which doesn't seem good. It could partially be the new valve springs; they told me they were noisier than the 918's. Total time spent: about 22 hours. Yes, I ran into every problem imaginable, as usual.

The bad: I broke one of the long oil pan bolts. The Haynes book did not specify a lower torque for those two bolts, so I tried to tq them to 18. The first one snapped and the second would have too, so I stopped at around 12. Now the oil pan it going to have to come off again soon to fix it. I stripped the threads on one of the trans-to-oil pan bolts. The manual did not specify a torque rating for these, so I went for 40. Oops, too much I guess. Easy fix, I just put a same size nut and bolt through. I also stripped the EVAP bolt. I'll just tap it to the next size up. I accidently turned the back head bolt 90 degrees on the last pass instead of 50. I didn't want to pull it out after the gasket had been compressed, so I just left it. If it blows, it blows. I don't have much confidence in my repair job anyway, so we'll see.

When I turned in to my house, it made some knocking sounds. I couldn't tell if it was the engine or if it was the steering shaft bolt smacking the header. I tried to make it do it again, but it wouldn't. I was too damn tired to investigate. I just got up and am about to go for a drive, so I'll let you guys know if anything comes up.