Installing Cams and Pistons Help

[Huw Powell]

Alexander van Gerbig wrote:
> 
>     I am going to be swapping a camshaft from my stock head into my turbo
> GTi head and I'll also be installing new Mahle 8.5:1 pistons in about two
> weeks, hopefully.  I have grabbed some tips for these installations from
> several folks, but I'd love to get all the tips and advice possible so my
> engine has a happy long life after all this work.
> 
>     Is it best to use an engine building grease/lube or just slobber Mobil 1
> onto parts before installing?

use build lube, it's what its designed for.

>     Can I just bring along my cam oil seal with the cam and then tighten the
> cam journal down onto the seal?

new seal, dude, they're cheap!

>     Do new lifters have to have some oil squirted into them before priming
> the engine for first start?

good question... I know we didn't with Brendan's engine.  They are going
to fill up pretty quickly anyway I think.

>     When removing old pistons is it easy enough to lube up the top of the
> bore and push the piston out by the rod?

should be.

>     Do the oil squirters interfere with the rod leaving the block, meaning
> do the oil squirters have to be removed?

they are in the way if you drop the piston down and out, which you can't
do anyway.  up and out, don't see why.

>     Bearings for the crank, do they just rest on the crank or cap when
> installing or do they snap into place?

tight rest in place fit.

>     Do I need to measure clearances, or since I am using the same rods,
> bearings, and caps is that unneeded?

clearances?  oopsie...

> 
>     Any magical break-in procedures required?

regular oil, not synth, use the entire rpm range (except maybe not close
to redline int he first few miles), but not a heavy load at first. 
Build the load at higher rpms up gradually over 500-1000 miles.  Do a
variety of driving while it settles in.  Apply a thick coating of
chutzpah while assembling, this helps.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/