Now I know why I got my RTV so cheap

Well, as bad as it is I'm going to be honest here and let y'all know I'm gonna get two attempts at installing this head. Apparently the gasket can shift enough when you are installing the head to allow a piston to hit the gasket. Everything went together great. I cranked it over by hand and adjusted the valves, nothing felt tight. then I cranked it until I had fuel pulsing out of each injector line. Tightened the lines and she fired right up with a nasty knock. Sounded like a valve hitting a piston. I tore it down and the sound was a piston hitting the edge of the ring on the gasket. I've never had that happen before. I was thinking about it and all the engines I've built before had dowel pins that would locate the gasket, this one doesn't. Should it have?
Also the gasket kit I bought for my serial number engine was a graphite head gasket. The ebay seller included two steel head gaskets in kubota packaging that have D902 on them. Use the steel gaskets or order another new one?
Thanks
 
I wish I knew what to tell you but I know you can do this just fine- this is only a bump in the road ... If it were me, I would still check with Messicks parts desk. They will probably be glad to help you figure this gasket and dowel pin thing out. It is nice to talk to a human and they are good at what they do and polite. collie

edit: I went to the Messick's site and it looks like they have changed the site a bit. I entered my address etc and got a nice picture of the head and there were 2 different gaskets listed with only one number difference. I'd call them for sure. The gaskets are $44 ea. http://www.messicks.com/ku/86217?sectionId=228051&diagramId=448186 I just chose a 900 to view a diagram so check to be sure your serial number is what you use to order parts with . collie
 
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I can't answer the gasket type or dowel pin question but to locate the gasket, get a couple of metric bolts longer than the ones in the head. Hardness doesn't matter. Cut the heads off and grind a slot in the top end. Place them in the block, put the gasket on, slide the head on, start the head bolts in the other holes. Take out the guide bolts, use a screw driver in the slots if necessary, put the head bolts back and torque.

Old guy solution to lack of dowels.
 
You are doing fantastic work there......ALREADY in just a few days put it together TWICE!!! Most of us cant even put together a lawn mower engine, let alone a modern diesel. GOOD WORK........Behind the barns are full of what many modern folks do....give up and throw it out.
Avantiguy's excellent advice brings back old crazy Mr. Pearson's advice, the auto mech teacher that we truly did listen to; came flooding back with my 5 am coffee. Funny what one forgets over time. What else is in there???

Border Collie is right on about Messick's for advice. They TRULY DO HELP with honesty, guidance, tricks, and common sense without some add-on sales pitch. NO you don't have to buy your parts from them, they are there to help. Good old fashioned way of doing business..........

Avanti Guy...........WAY TO GO BUD...........
 
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The only dowel type that would prevent this would be the sleeve type that a couple of the head bolts go thru. Even using the guide bolt idea isn't going to protect from this problem.

Does your old head have dowels?
 
ovrszd said:
The only dowel type that would prevent this would be the sleeve type that a couple of the head bolts go thru. Even using the guide bolt idea isn't going to protect from this problem.

Does your old head have dowels?
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Why not? I've used this method for years with excellent success. The one issue can be the bolt holes allow the gasket some movement but a drop or two of permatex/RTV/other sealant in the bolt gasket gap will keep it in place, once located in position, until the head is tightened.

If there are no dowel pins the MFG wasn't that concerned about it to begin with.

Just asking 'cause I'm not to old to learn.

Bob
 
Bob, I learn every day :)

Obviously he was able to get all the head bolts installed and the gasket was still misplaced. So your idea still wouldn't have improved his odds of success. I have also used your method. But in this case there's too much slop in the gasket's head bolt holes for it to work.

I'm wondering if this was the correct gasket?
 
ovrszd said:
Bob, I learn every day :)

Obviously he was able to get all the head bolts installed and the gasket was still misplaced. So your idea still wouldn't have improved his odds of success. I have also used your method. But in this case there's too much slop in the gasket's head bolt holes for it to work.

I'm wondering if this was the correct gasket?
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Agree with your assessment but that's why I'll use some form of sealant in the bolt gasket gap to locate the gasket before I set the head.

As you said, above all else the wrong gasket won't fit IAC.

Bob
 
The bolts went through the holes easily with the misaligned gasket but it is a good trick. I've done that with a lot of V8 intake manifolds. The best part is I've had great help, my 10 year old Amelia loves wrenching, she was not upset at all that she could put it together this time and I'll just watch the details.;)
 
It looks like gaskets 1G962-03310 and 1G962-03313 are not interchangeable. I tried the later part number on my early (2004) RTV and the compressed thickness is too thin, couldn't turn the motor over by hand to set the valves. I tried it because the ebay seller of the head threw in a couple of the later gaskets at no charge. Time to order another head gasket.
 
So you are back to figuring out a way to ensure you have it correctly aligned during install?

Maybe use Bob's idea of "gluing" it in the proper place?

Very curious to hear the solution. Thanks for sharing the process!!!
 
Good luck and want to say that it is a nice thing you are doing taking up time with your young one. My Dad did the same thing with me and so spurred my interest in fixing my own stuff instead of relying on a shop and it's possible mercenaries . collie
 
I was just really careful to line it up and not disturb it when putting the head on. She's been running about a week now and doing great. Almost no blowby from the crankcase vent so I'm happy!
 
Jrainw said:
I was just really careful to line it up and not disturb it when putting the head on. She's been running about a week now and doing great. Almost no blowby from the crankcase vent so I'm happy!
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That is wonderful Jrainw ! Happy RTVing ! :) collie
 
Glad it worked. I would have potentially had the same problem you did. Normally if the head bolts can be easily installed, the gasket is properly installed. Although it's been a bad experience for you, it's been a good learning experience for others.
 
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