TR4/4A A couple of engine rebuild questions...

So I'm getting ready to put my engine back together and am a bit nervous even though I've built Audi/VW engines so I can do it, but had a couple of quick questions...

1. The machine shop did a dry fit of the gaskets and sleeves and pulled everything back out. Well he threw the copper Figure 8 gaskets in a box and not back in the cardboard supported "box" the other gaskets came in. Well the gaskets are a little wavy but definitely not crimped in any way. I'm thinking they will be fine once the liners are in and flatten them out. I should be fine as long as they aren't folded or crimped in any way, correct? I'm planning to use Aviation gasket seal on them and the liners and block. Looking for more reassurance here that they will be fine.
2. Has anyone used the BPNW head gasket for larger liners and had issues? Guess I'm just looking for some reassurance. Should I put that on dry? I've seen posts where someone put copper around the sleeve openings. Use copper seal? Aviation?
3. Putting the BPNW 87mm set along with stock balanced rods...I didn't see a mark on the pistons that show which way they should face. I had the machine shop put the pistons on the rods and looking at the pictures the rods can only go in one way and I want to make sure the pistons are facing the right way. Anyone used a BPNW piston set with any helpful hints.

Thanks!

New figure eights are cheap. Especially compared to the time and money to tear down and reassemble if there is some problem. Replace them. Dunno anything about bpnw pistons.
Bob

TRF sells the copper Fo8 gaskets individually, if needed...

I gave the machine shop every spec I could get my hands on and had him do a complete internal rebuild using all bpnw parts. I can't report on how well it runs yet as I'm still installing the external gadgets and it's a body off restoraton so it will be a while me thinks. However, I can tell ya he installed the copper head gasket dry which he said he does with all his rebuilds. As long as you have the proper liner extrusion it should be fine. Concerning the 8's, if they are just bowed a little I wouldn't be too concerned but on the other hand if they have ridges, I personally wouldn't chance it. The stock pistons are assembled to the rod so that the slot faces the offset (cap) side of the rod. I don't remember if the 87mm's I got from bpnw had a slot but if they do, I would think it would be the same. I could ask my guy what he did if that helps but it'll be a couple days before I can do that.
Dave

Went ahead and ordered some new copper Figure 8's from BPNW where I got the piston/liner kit. Also ordered some Joe Gibbs lube since I won't be starting the engine a while after putting it all together so not sure the oil would stick around that long. Forgot to ask about the orientation of the pistons. Thanks for all the help guys.

What ever head gasket supplier you use, do not assume that it will be a correct fit.
Check carefully for proper fit around the cylinder edges before installing.
I bought 3 from different suppliers before I found one that was the ideal fit.

What did you use for a rear main sealer?

steve

malbaby said:

What ever head gasket supplier you use, do not assume that it will be a correct fit.
Check carefully for proper fit around the cylinder edges before installing.
I bought 3 from different suppliers before I found one that was the ideal fit.

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Thanks
I bought all the engine parts, gaskets, seals, etc from BPNW so if something doesn't fit or work correctly they will be getting a call. Going to call them anyway on the pistons to make sure there isn't a certain orientation as I don't see any marks

I'm going to be using the TRF rear main seal which I believe is the same as the Vintage Racer Viton one.

sp53 said:

What did you use for a rear main sealer?

steve

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