Sixto:

I don't understand the connection between removing the cam and measuring the head bolts. Seems that I would need to measure the head bolts either way.

I have ordered a long bit for the head, but it hasn't arrived yet. My neighbor has a short bit, so if the long bit doesn't arrive tomorrow and I want to take the head off, I guess I'll have to use the short bit and take off the cam. I am uncomfortable with this since I haven't done it before and am concerned about getting the timing correct. It would have been nice not to have to worry about the cam too.

When I was setting the engine to TDC, I used my AB light and noticed it was firing at about 10 degrees. I had set it to 14, but had let a mechanic time it because it was hammering a little. I didn't know what he had set it to until now. before bringing it in, I measured the chain stretch at 1 degree, so I'm not getting why it hammered at 14 but not at 10. It will be interesting to see the timing marks when I take the head off tomorrow.

There didn't seem to be any short cuts on removing the heater manifold so I removed the three heater hoses and the manifold came out easily.

I also removed the temp sensor in the head and removed the two bolts on the fuel filter. The fuel filter still really can't be moved out of the way with the two lines connected to the IP and the fuel pump.

Do you guys remove those lines or just try to snake the head out from under the loose fuel filter?

I still need to remove the temp housing from the radiator and then the cam/timing chain guides, etc. Getting tired of taking this thing apart. I really want to know what is going on though.