22r rebuild help

[alscott]

rebuildin my 22r... i have a late model block (86-95) with late model dished pistons from lc engineering. got the crank an pistons n today an the pistons come about .030 above the top of the block... seems to me like its a deck height problem where the block has been shaved an it looks like the only option i have is to run a spacer between the block an head gasket or have the pistons shaved (but that would delete some of the dish on them). anyone else had this problem an what did you do??

thanks

 

[wannabe]

Do not put a "spacer" in between the head and block....

 

[bluetoy]

Are you sure the deck has been cut on the block? The pistons will not be exactly flush on a stock block. You say the pistons stick up .030" above the block. Measure the thickness of your head gasket. I'm thinking it will be around .060" at least. Should be enough to clear. If you're worried about it, I would call LCE and ask them. They have a great tech support.

 

[alscott]

ive always heard that a 22r head gasket after squished when bolted down is still around .040 so if thats true... then id be ok i would think. this is my first ever rebuild an a learnin experience for me so sorry for the ignorance on the subject lol goin call lc monday.

 

[alscott]

Are you sure the deck has been cut on the block? The pistons will not be exactly flush on a stock block. You say the pistons stick up .030" above the block. Measure the thickness of your head gasket. I'm thinking it will be around .060" at least. Should be enough to clear. If you're worried about it, I would call LCE and ask them. They have a great tech support.

the deck height measured 11.125 so its had to be cut down from the original 11.280.

so even on a stock block the pistons are goin stick up outta it a little bit??

 

[Rjhoward32006]

You have the wrong pistons. They should be flat top pistons, unless your running a performance high compression piston.
The pistons you have fit the old style block that has more deck height. If you bought an engine rebuild kit you will probably also notice that the timing chain is too long. Hence the shorter block you have. The chain should be snug when installing new even with the tensioner compressed, if it seems loose you will need to change that too. Probably be easier to oreder or exchange the engine kit.

This is probably what you have

This is wht you need.

 

[alscott]

the first picture is what i have goin on with mine but my block an rebuild kit are late model stuff. so it still makes me think that its where the block has been shaved. reason i know its a late model block is cause it has "mickey mouse" on the side for laser block identification plus the late model timing change cover im goin to use is no more than .010 above the deck height of the block

 

[84turbotoy]

If the first picture is your issue you just need late model pistons, that's a very easy fix because the rods and crank are the same.

 

[Rjhoward32006]

If the first picture is your issue you just need late model pistons, that's a very easy fix because the rods and crank are the same.

Like we both said... Wrong pistons for that block. Labeled or packaged wrong. You beed flat top pistons,
Ask me how i know, i've done the same thing.

But the block may be machined too much also, the front cover should be even with the deck height. The head gasket overlaps to the front cover.

 

[bluetoy]

Ok, now I'm confused. Do you have the dome piston (pic #1 above) or flat top pistons (pic #2) ?

On a stock late model block with flat tops, the piston will be slightly above the deck. I haven't measured it, but it's not much. If your deck has been cut the .155" that you describe, them the pistons would be a LOT higher than .030" above the block, and your block would be scrap iron.

On an early model block with the dome pistons the ringed part of the piston will stick up a lot more than .030 that you described. If you have the domes, a late model block, and your block has been decked by .155" then your piston would be around 3/8" above the block.

How about a pic of what you have?

 

[alscott]

ill try get a pic up tomorrow... i have dished pistons for the turbo. the first pic is what mine is doing but with dished pistons instead of dome tops. there not stickin up more than .040 outta the top. the tool we used read around .030 constantly.

 

[Rjhoward32006]

O so now you tell us.... Its a turbo motor. Now thats a totally different ball game.
And i've never played with those.

 

[billstoy]

I build a lot of 22r 85-95 stuff but you also have me confused? ??? What did lc eng, say? I would check into decking the pistontops and running a pound of so less boost . if your block and head are decked to much then run 2 turbo head gaskets . also decking the b/h cause the cam timing to retard thus loosing power also. For a first time builder . rule #1 start with a good foundation !!! or you will have problems with the entire build ! piston issues, timing issues, t/cover issues what about head bolt depth, them more issues to come.,

 

[alscott]

pistons stick up .028 from block... block has not been decked. head gasket after compressed is .062. lc engineering said that im good an to proceed on!

 

[bluetoy]

That's what I was thinking. Good deal.

 

[alscott]

thanks for the input on everything guys 8)
Alex

 

[fordcontraption01]

You better get that pile going mines a couple drivelines away from a beat down you need to be ready.

 

[alscott]

couple more weeks n ill be ready buddy!