Next, the already-assembled heads and head gaskets can be installed.
Herman made sure the surfaces of the head, block and gaskets were
clean, then lined up the head to the block with the gasket between them.
Each head was then torqued to specifications outlined in the shop
manual. However, when tightening the head, Herman made sure it was
in the proper position and started at the center bolts, then worked
toward the ends. He went through the sequence of tightening the bolts
three times, working from the center, ensuring the gasket was properly
fit and sealed. Some experienced engine builders tighten the head bolts
to 50 percent of the torque specification on the first pass, then progress
to 75 percent of the spec on the second pass, reserving the final torque
to 100 percent of the specification on the final pass. Not every engine’s
cylinder head torquing procedure follows these common guidelines, so
as with every step of the engine rebuild process, follow the shop manual.
Once the heads of this Cadillac engine were installed, the rods were
installed, followed by the rocker arms and rocker arm shafts. The frost
plugs and oil galley plugs were also installed.
With the heads, oil pump and other internal engine components
installed, the intake manifold could be torqued to factory specifications,
then the oil pan and valve covers were installed. With the engine sealed
up, it could be painted. When the factory sprayed these engines, many
accessories remained in place to receive a shot of Cadillac blue engine
paint, so that process was followed on this engine. Once the paint dried,
remaining components, such as the flywheel and exhaust manifolds,
were installed. Since the factory installed the engine and transmission
together, this engine was reinstalled in that manner. Then the remaining
engine accessories (carburetor, power steering pump, alternator, etc.)
were bolted into place and the fluid levels were checked to prepare the
engine for firing.
The big moment
For the breakin procedure, Herman made a shaft that allowed a drill
to be connected to the gears of the oil pump that run off the distributor.
This engine is like many overhead-valve units in that the oil pump runs
off the gears of the distributor, so by connecting a drill to this oil pump,
the engine could be primed. For this exercise, the distributor was