Obviously the cam work was finally complete so the timing cover and front pulley went back on. The rear seal carrier and pan quickly followed. The distributor drive pulley clearance was checked and shimmed and the drive gear was oriented the way I want the vacuum advance to fire when the distributor goes back in. After thoroughly cleaning the cam followers they went back in, one at a time, in their original locations. Then it was time for the head. I degreased the head and block sealing surfaces and tacked the surfaces to remove any lint or debris I might have missed. The studs went in finger-tight followed by the head and finally hardened washers and nuts. I tightened the head in (3) 15 lb-ft increments until the final 45 lb-ft setting.
I have a relatively new item in my toolbox. A few months ago I bought an "AC Delco" torque adapter which is an LCD readout, 3/8" drive load-cell that goes between your wrench and socket. I bought the "low range" model that goes to 60 lb-ft max. I am very pleased with it so far. I am still using it on my 30+ year old Craftsman torque wrench (which I have checked the calibration of at work). The digital and mechanical torque wrenches track very close to one another except at the lowest settings of the mechanical wrench's range. If you have considered a digital torque readout I would consider the item I bought from Amazon. I put "AC Delco" in quotes because it appears the real manufacturer paid Delco to use their name on the tool. It is not actual made by Delco.
Anyway, it is time to do some yard work and have to stop. I am at the point where I need to lift the engine off the stand so I can attach the back plate and flywheel. Unfortunately I don't think I will get the remaining tasks done this weekend but I am making progress.
Doug L.
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