So I reassembled the head. Put the radiator hose hook-ups back on, install the "bottom-half" of the intake and the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold was a bitch!!! The studs needed to be pounded with a block of wood and a hammer so it would go on. I also had to dremel a bit from the bolt hole areas. I felt that this was the best way to encourage it to go on. I finally got it on successfully.

Then I made sure the surfaces were clean. Blew out the headbolt holes with compressed air. Did a thorough check. Then I grab the headgasket, treat it's like a 1 million dollar piece of glass. CAREFUL!! New headgaskets these days are coated with a sealant that will activate when the engine warms up to make sure you get a proper seal. So, I lay her carefully on the block. Then dad and I both lift the head assembly and lay her on the block.

He helps me get all the bolts in their sockets, then goes back in the house. I got the torque wrench and start following the pattern according to the manual. I finally got her all torqued up to spec. I overtorqued it just a bit to be sure. The torque wrench I used was an old "bender" type I borrowed from a friend. It could be off. So I want to be sure that head is torqued down right. I don't wanna blow this headgasket.

Right now, this is where she stands until I can get more money. The injectors need to be cleaned and gotta get new banjo fitting gasket washers for the fuel lines.

I did a compression test. I'm getting around 195 PSI. So that's a good sign! The headgasket is sealing!