I have the head off my project engine right now and it is amazing how little clearance there is between the head and the pistons. At tdc, the pistons are nearly even with the block and there is hardly any recess of the head above the pistons to speak of. The firing order of the 617 is 1-2-4-5-3, correct? Set #1 at tdc using the pulley markers and do its seals. Rotate engine so both lobes of #2 are facing up(shouldn't take too much rotation, about a fifth of a turn) and do the same thing. Repeat in the order the pistons fire and you should always find tdc. That seems logical to me. Anything I'm overlooking?

A little OT-Leathermang, I'm having some head work done on my project engine right now and I get it back tomorrow. I think they're shaving the head to make sure its flat but I'm not sure. Should I install extra shims underneath the prechambers just to be safe? I've got the tools to pull them so its no big deal.

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Seth

1984 300D 225K
1985 300D Donor body
1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!!
1980 300SD 311K My New Baby.
1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo