Atomic 4 - head off, leave studs or remove/clean/install?

[jeepbluetj]

2 head gaskets is normal.

Timing is initially set to TDC, 'cause there ain't no timing indicator degree thingy on the A4 to shine a timing light on.

So you set to TDC with your hand crank or a screwdriver down #1's plug, get it running, and set timing for max RPM. I.e. where it runs the best.

Moyer's site has instructions on how to time an A4. If you can see the flywheel end, you can time it with a light and a protractor or guess to figure out where 10 degrees or so is. The C-30 has no access to that side of the engine, so I set mine by ear.

[fstarocka]

Yeah ear works fine. No access to see the crank mark.

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Unless you intend or need to replace them I would let sleeping dogs lie

Rebuilt two of 'em. I agree. Don't fix what isn't obviously broken so you don't have to learn the word "heli-coil".

[um saudade]

Set timing by engine vacuum. Then determine economical cruise by slowly accelerating until it drops to ten inches. You can go down to five inches of vacuum and it will run a little faster but you will burn 50% more fuel.

[crazyoldboatguy]

The stresses on our those head studs is minimal - low compression flat head and all.

Grease them up and torque them down, you'll be fine.

Sweet little motors - have had one in our family Pearson Triton since 1962. Just rebuilt. Purrs like a kitten with the Moyer Marine electronic ignition. Well worth the cost if you haven't already converted. Goes like a scalded cat now!

[Mike Banks]

If you want to remove studs from a head--not too much r=trouble--heat the head evenly and use a stud extractor. If the studs are in the block, heating the block is not so easily done because it must be heated evenly.

I would leave them alone unless the head of the block needs to be re-surfaced, and that happens rarely.

[fstarocka]

I just left them as is - torqued last night, this morning AND after 2 heat runs (while hot) - bolts didnt move a pinch (think I might have been at around 38 tho - all good!

Here she is starting up for the 1st time today - (I still added a few degrees advance and 1/4 turn in on carb for a total of about 1-1/16 turn out.

Atomic 4 start after head job