Timing belt broke, head replacement?

[melmaclifeform]

So, like all fantastic afternoons, I've had my timing belt break. Reading up, the worst that I've seen that could have happened to my engine is that some valves broke.

Theoretically, since the valves are in the cylinder head, could I source a good, used cylinder head and just kind of slap it in there? I've done head gaskets before with my friend on a Firebird, so I know I can remove the head.

Thoughts?

[Clemens]

yes, you could do that. it is trickier than on a firebird, though. the head gasket is a liquid one, i think you need to roll it onto the cleaned surface of the block. other than that, it is just quite a few hours of work.
if you have a 98 or 99 up, you have the variable camshafts, you need to pay extra attention to those.

most likely a few valves are bent, other than that nothing majorly should be ruined.

[abscate]

It’s a solid head gasket with anaerobic sealer between the two halves of the precision machined cam cover. A bit different than other iron but if you study up it’s pretty simple

With head off, it is worth checking the head for warpage, it’s a tight spec to acceptance

[melmaclifeform]

Ok sweet! I figured that would be the easier option than replacing the whole block or taking it somewhere to get fully remanufactured.

For the variable camshafts, I just keep them in place to keep them in line, correct?

[SuperHerman]

You will need to fashion some timing tools. Not sure which engine you have , but if it has VVT you can change the cam seals on the VVT end (if you have it or them) by sliding it down the other side. Timing VVT is tricky, but plenty of do it yourselves explaining it. You need to align the cams correctly - some can do it with no tools, but the cams can walk.

You can source new valves for those bent or buy used ones. Pull the part number and see what other engines use it for used. The head is married to the cam cover - so don't go swapping.

Replace the valve stem seals while you have it off plus lap the valves. Machine it flat or measure and clean it up if it passes. I would spend the money for a planing. The rest you can do.

It is not a bad job - if you can do a Firebird you can do a Volvo. Ask questions if you get stuck. Also - do not use RTV - use anaerobic sealer as mentioned above. Available from Permatex at NAPA and other fine stores.

[BEJinFbk]

IIRC, Clearwater is a good resource for white block head rebuilding.

[Clemens]

It’s a solid head gasket with anaerobic sealer between the two halves of the precision machined cam cover.

Thanks, right, there is a solid gasket... but there is also liquid, squishy, gooey stuff that can get messy.

[abscate]

Ok sweet! I figured that would be the easier option than replacing the whole block or taking it somewhere to get fully remanufactured.

For the variable camshafts, I just keep them in place to keep them in line, correct?

Your 1999 NA S70 , the very best year, will have solid cams and no VVT if it has the original engine.

[melmaclifeform]

Ok sweet! I figured that would be the easier option than replacing the whole block or taking it somewhere to get fully remanufactured.

For the variable camshafts, I just keep them in place to keep them in line, correct?

Your 1999 NA S70 , the very best year, will have solid cams and no VVT if it has the original engine.

This is great news, so I don't have to make sure they stick in place? I'm just about 99% sure it's the original engine.

[abscate]

Set the crankshaft to the “ clearance mark” ( which is not TDC of course) then you can reinstall the cams in any position. Once the head is back on, you do the timing belt install procedure, setting the solid cams to the marks , setup the tensioner and idler, etc.