got my head back from the machinist.

"Frank Grimes" (FrankGrimes)
11/21/2014 at 21:52 • Filed to: None

They were nice enough to clean the thing for me!

Finally I am on the downward slope of a head gasket repair. Taking it apart was intimidating but easy and didn't take long. I think putting cars back together is harder. Cuz sometimes you have bolts you don't know where it goes and the fear of what if it doesn't work or doesn't repair the initial problem.

I will be glad to see the mountain of parts removed get smaller.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Enjoy this wonderful miata photo.

DISCUSSION (19)

Squid > Frank Grimes
11/21/2014 at 22:12

Just take your time and remember if you have extra nuts and bolts when you are finished you did it wrong. . . Good luck on getting it together and having a nice running Miata. Remember to not rush anything.

The Transporter > Frank Grimes
11/21/2014 at 22:22

Hey, put a NSFW tag and a buffer image before you post such hard core nudity!

Frank Grimes > The Transporter
11/21/2014 at 22:32

Sorry wont happen again guess I shoulda led with the miata.

Frank Grimes > Squid
11/21/2014 at 22:36

Thanks. I used to just remember where everything went. I honestly dont know how I remembered half the time but I have begun taking the time to use ziploc bags and a sharpie. makes it much less stressful and easier its like each part that goes on has its own little kit. I am a pretty experienced mechanic but for some reason this job has made me really nervous.

The Transporter > Frank Grimes
11/21/2014 at 22:41

That's still porn around here.

Frank Grimes > The Transporter
11/21/2014 at 22:53

yeah you are probably right...I am very sorry and will be more careful in the future maybe a lead photo of a kitten or something.

JGrabowMSt > Frank Grimes
11/21/2014 at 23:38

I wish I had the ability to pull the head on my Magnum, but it wouldn't have changed the fact that I would need a shop to do the swap for me. That whole, I lack an engine hoist, thing really gets in the way. It's also way too cold for me to be doing this stuff in my non-heated, poorly lit garage.

Frank Grimes > JGrabowMSt
11/21/2014 at 23:49

Its super cold here too. Working on cars while its cold is misery. I feel bad for you we got like 3 engine hoists around here also a couple engine stands. Man if lived near you I would surely give you a hand and lend you a hoist.

I have a dream where one day I have a nice heated shop with a lift and friends who are into cars who could help me do things. Instead I am always helping others and the one friend into cars only bothers to call when he needs something welded or something.

Coty > Frank Grimes
11/21/2014 at 23:49

I think you can find someone more attractive than a machinist to give you head.

Frank Grimes > Coty
11/21/2014 at 23:52

preferably female too. do you have anyone in mind? cuz I don't know anyone. Also she better be good with resurfacing heads.

JGrabowMSt > Frank Grimes
11/21/2014 at 23:53

I'm at the mercy of an engine builder in California, it sucks. I'm waiting for a long block to be assembled and timed and MDS lifters installed. Then I clean my intake, and take all the damn sensors and MDS solenoids off my old motor, button the new one up, drop it in, and hope to hell it runs right. I've been told this guys motors do not fail, and he's a supplier for a few dealers as well. I just want my car on the road again. I should really take a picture of the head to post here as well...I'm waiting for the motor to get yanked so I can grab the piston as my new paperweight. The carnage is impressive in all the wrong ways.

Frank Grimes > JGrabowMSt
11/21/2014 at 23:59

Magnum as in Dodge Magnum 5.9 V8? Or as in The cool wagons?

JGrabowMSt > Frank Grimes
11/22/2014 at 00:10

The cool wagon, of course. I maintain the HEMIWagon tag .

BoulderZ > Frank Grimes
11/22/2014 at 00:44

There seems to be a critical job size beyond which it's about impossible to remember where everything goes. My threshold for memory is about "timing chain" sized jobs. When I did my Z, the entire car got every fastener ziplock bagged with notes, boxed in dedicated subject bins ("A/C fasteners", "interior passenger side", etc.). I included the cost of all the ziplocs and wire tags in the declared value of the restored car for insurance. Yes, I actually tracked that, and even the paper towels (they're not free...). I think the labeling stuff ended up costing about $50 at the time. It made reassembly an absolute breeze, though. Hope yours goes smoothly!

Frank Grimes > BoulderZ
11/22/2014 at 00:47

Thanks. I almost have the personality for that. I for some reason can be terribly lazy but incredibly precise and pay tremendous attention to detail. I can see myself getting great pleasure from a dedicated shelf for parts with indvidually ptouch printed rubbermaid containers holding indivdually labeled ziploc bags of bolts and parts.

BoulderZ > Frank Grimes
11/22/2014 at 00:53

Sheepishly raises hand on the "Who owns a label maker" poll. A ptouch, even. I, too, am actually lazy. I just once got my ass handed to me on a Toyota 22R timing chain job. Turns out those cover bolts are all different lengths, and you can make quite a mess by moving them around. The more you know? :) BTW: that cylinder head looks gorgeous!

Coty > Frank Grimes
11/22/2014 at 09:37

Kinja'd!!!

Not off the top of my head.

Frank Grimes > Coty
11/22/2014 at 13:29

I just freaking watched that last night! so wierd are you a wizard?

Squid > Frank Grimes
11/24/2014 at 02:04

That is the smart way of doing things. Labeling and also making cardboard templates for stressed bolts that are reusable works wonders. The more time you spend on prep and organization and cleaning the quicker the assembly will end up going. The one beautiful thing that the Miata has going for it is non-interference. Just take your time and have an extra set of hands to help set that head on the block so you don't damage that clean aluminium surface.

Relax and have a good time getting to know your car much better and have faith that you can do it correctly and all will be well.