95' Junker Drag Truck

I finally got the motor back into the Junker Drag Truck.

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I installed it with the cylinder head removed to provide extra clearance for my tight working space "side entrance" motor hoist position.

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Finally resting on the motor mounts:
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Next I hit the deck of the block with a light coating of Copper Spray-a-Gasket by Permatex. It applies similar to a coat of paint and helps fill some of the smaller voids and low spots, it supposedly also helps with heat transfer. I started using it years ago on exhaust flanges and turbo gaskets and it seems to actively reduce the amount of exhaust leaks.

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In keeping with the Junker Theme, I tried to save a few $$ and run this Victor Reinz .010" oversize head gasket. The whole top-end gasket kit was less than the cost of a plain Cummins head gasket. We'll see if it holds up????

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Then using two long headbolts as guides threaded through the alignment dowels on the block, the head was lowered into place.

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Then the pushrods and rockers were installed so all (26) headbolts could be torqued-down. Utilizing stock used head bolts that were pre-lubed with motor oil, I followed the factory bolt sequence starting with the center two bolts between cylinder 3 & 4 and worked outward repeating the 26 bolt torque sequence in torque steps of 50, 75, 90, 100, 110, 115, 120, 125, and finally 130 ft-lbs. At 130, (4) of the shortest exhaust side bolts started to get soft and would not quite reach 130. These bolts were exchanged one at a time for (4) different used head bolts which eventually did reach 130 ft lbs. I then stepped up to 135 ft lbs on all (26) bolts and several turned past 90* indicating I was at maximum clamp load for the fasteners. After letting the bolts sit for an hour, I went back and hit all (26) bolts with 138 ft lbs.

***It should be noted that previously with high mileage original bolts that were not removed nor lubed, I was able to get 145-150 ft lbs before the bolts went soft/started moving 90* on a single torque step. I attribute the higher torque before to the added friction of dry bolts. Freshly lubed bolts do not seem to require as much torque as old dry bolts to achieve maximum clamp load.

With a new gasket, the gasket continues to settle as it experiences heat cycles. This is why it's important to re-check and re-torque new gaskets after some run time. Obviously as the gasket settles, the clamp load provided by the bolts, studs, or whatever you use will decrease and why it's important to regularly check bolt torque and re-apply as required.

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I may have missed it in the pictures. Are o rings installed?

Yes, the block was cut with an Isky Racing groov o matic, simple hand tool that cuts a .038" wide groove in the block at an adjustable depth. I cut mine at .032" deep and used a .041" SS wire for the orings, this left .008-.009" protrusion the wire stays put with a .003" crush/interference between the .041" wire and .038" wide groove.

These pictures are from when the motor was first opened up and I was still planning to run the stock pistons. After finding the cam gear walked, I decided to tear it down and during the roughly 2 years it's been a work in progress, I went with the non-intercooled cut pistons.

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looking good!, this may be stupid to ask but its ok to get that spray on copper stuff inside the cylinder?

When I threw a new head gasket on my 98' daily driver after a head failure, I used this same brand of copper coat and sprayed down in the bores, no ill effects other than stinky exhaust smell the first couple minutes.

So in my opinion, no problem letting the copper spray go in the bores.
 
Any more info on how you did the o ring cuts? I'm sorry if I over looked it. If you already covered it tell me what post number to start with, please.
 
When I threw a new head gasket on my 98' daily driver after a head failure, I used this same brand of copper coat and sprayed down in the bores, no ill effects other than stinky exhaust smell the first couple minutes.

So in my opinion, no problem letting the copper spray go in the bores.

Good to know If my truck ever breaks thanks Will
 
I was always told to install a headgasket dry, never to use anything to include that copper spray. Took me off-guard because that copper stuff is very very tacky. I don't see a compressed gasket being easier to spit out with that stuff on....

Glad it worked on your 99, when money falls from the sky and I can start the fresh motor for mine I'll be using.
 
did you spray the head also with copper spray? im going to do this when i put my truck back together
 
I usually just spray both sides of the gasket and install while tacky but not wet. That or high gloss black spray paint.
 
did you spray the head also with copper spray? im going to do this when i put my truck back together

Yes,
The head got a light coating as well. I'm of the opinion that the small depressions and nicks on a non-freshly milled block or head benefit from the light coating directly applied. I also think the small imperfections on a used head and block provide more bite on the fluid sealing portions of the gasket so long as the gouges are minor/shallow surface imperfections.

Everything is opinion at this point, in a few months, we'll know how well this stock bolt fastening, aftermarket gasket, block cut orings, and copper spray system will hold up.....
 
I probably missed it Will but do you plan to do your testing with all the changes you've recently done at the same timing you ran prior to the new motor and then bump timing to 30+ and see what changes that gets you?

Edit: Just saw your post regarding the adjustable timing gear. Look forward to seeing what you find. After a bit more conversation I'm going to give 32* a shot and see what happens between it and the 8mm comp dvs.
 
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i might have missed it but are you spraying any nitrous on this truck?

No plans have been made to add nitrous to this truck. So far, it's been so fuel limited that water/methanol injection is more tempting than nitrous.



I probably missed it Will but do you plan to do your testing with all the changes you've recently done at the same timing you ran prior to the new motor and then bump timing to 30+ and see what changes that gets you?

Edit: Just saw your post regarding the adjustable timing gear. Look forward to seeing what you find. After a bit more conversation I'm going to give 32* a shot and see what happens between it and the 8mm comp dvs.

Yes, the plan to to keep the tune-up identical to the previous setup before all the custom motor work to help analyze the benefits of wide piston bowls, porting, and camshaft changes.

Then the fuel will be turned up via bigger injectors, bigger delivery valves, and eventually a bigger pump.
 
^^^ agree. i guess i need to start from page 1 cause i am about to pull my engine.
 
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