ok got the block and head surffaces as clean as possible. used a gasket scraper, and then cleaned the surfaces, with a rag soaked with intake cleaner, about 10 times. put on the gasket, and ... problems...
the thing is freakin heavy for a wiry guy like me, so, while i didnt "drop" it, it missed the stuck up studs a little, and slid down and hit the distributor cap, and an exahust stud nicked the paper part a little. i hope tis little nick wont be a problem. however, im hoping i didnt ruin my distributor. acts like the lock bolt is loose, and is ready to be timed..
also, followed the chart for torquing sequence. did them 50, and then 70.
some of them on the second go round acted like they were already at 70????
SIGH...........

Coefficient of static friction vs coefficient of sliding friction?

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Yikes, I missed the mark once as you described trying to drop the head in and instead of risking the inevitable I got a new head gasket and started over, this time with an engine hoist to lower the head, an assistant to run the engine hoist, and me on the distributor side guiding the head onto the pins, worked out great.

I had some extra weight since I attached the manifolds first......the whole thing went in as an assembly.

Hope that "nick" in the gasket doesn't come back to haunt. Good luck.

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63 Valiant 200 Signet Convertible 170/
63 Dart, 225/
68 A100 Pick-up 225/
2006 Mitsu Raider Quad Cab (Dakota) Mopar 4.7L
1992 Dodge Stealth RT (My Mid-Lifer) 3.0L 24V

you awl need to get to da chym.

(heh..he..)

What we really need is an aluminum head and intake manifold so that a head can be installed without risking serious injury.

I recently used the hoist method myself, and it's nice because you can easily install those hard to reach manifold washers on the underside. I didn't need a second person, but some company would have been nice.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

Next time put some IC light (Yuengling would also work) on ice, call me when the Clarks will be in town and we can catch a good show and get your head installed. I needed the second set of hands to lower the boom on the hoist, I couldn't reach the controls and be in position to guide the head into place, sure would be nice if that block sat in there at 90Degrees , but then none of us would be here and this forum wouldn't exist, what fun would that be?

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63 Valiant 200 Signet Convertible 170/
63 Dart, 225/
68 A100 Pick-up 225/
2006 Mitsu Raider Quad Cab (Dakota) Mopar 4.7L
1992 Dodge Stealth RT (My Mid-Lifer) 3.0L 24V

I had my wife help me lower the head onto the block. You have to love a woman who ain't afraid to get a little greasy.

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1969 Dart Gt 225/six
1941 Dodge Cpe. 218 flat six

Once, I was quick-changing a headgasket.
The exhaust was still on the head, just propped up the head with a piece of wood...
All was ok, until I tried to get the head back on.
I got my finger stuck between the front of the head, and block, and the little pin between the deck and head in back was in its hole...And locked the head in place...
So I was officialy stuck in the front of the engine, at 3am under a traffic light in the midle of nowhere, in the rain.

After a while, I managed to get one shoe off, and pick up a screwdriver with my foot, and use it to wedge the rear of the head off the dowel pin.

That was really

It sounds like a "Norway history".
No offense, one of my best friends comes from the beautiful land in west.

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Lasse

Signet -66 225
Holley 600 Offy-5270 Dutra Dual,regrind. cam 272 0,420 110, head shaved 0.100 slight.ported
MSD6A
A904
7 1/4 3.23

You won't get a whole lot of rotation between 50 and 70, so you're probably OK as long as your torque wrench is reasonably accurate.

Before bolting the head on, it's a good idea to make sure the threads are clean and lubed, and that you have a smooth surface on the underside of the bolt heads and the part of the head where they clamp to. Dirt and burrs can interfere with the accuracy of the torque.

Cheers

Steve

1966 Dodge Dart