DOWEL PINS
 

I just installed the head on my motor, and forgot to put the dowel pins in, its already torqued , and cams installed.
I wanna know if this is a major problem. will it be ok to run it without the pin, I don't wanna retorque twice on a headgasket.
please let me know if its fine technically not opinions.

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

i dont have mine but mine sometimes seeps a little oil... so I cant say for sure. but it has been running for ~30k like that so its not a disaster.

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

I am sitting here debating if I should go back in and remove the head and install the pins, but I am running a special thickness cometic headgasket because my head was shaved too much, and I have a race this weekend so I can afford to wait another month for a new one, I really dont know what to do now.
I took my time and still ---- it up damn!

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

---- it! if it leaks it leaks. I feel stupid, that with my experience in doing this I forgot some dowel pins.

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

Never done it but besides just seating the head they seem like the would help with hg problems in the long run has well

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

if your gasket is a cometic one pull the head off but the pins in and retorque.. you shouldnt have a problem.. i had a freind but his headgasket in upside down..(dont ask me how) but he did took the head off and redid it and had no problems.. and that was a stock honda mls gasket

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

Im not in any way teling you what you should do, but, I would take it back apart and put the pins in w/ a new head gasket.

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

If it were me I would just take it off and put the dowel pins in and reuse the head gasket that you have now, so what you torqued it , you havent run it on it yet have you? I wouldnt run it like that but thats just me, and I am a little bit intoxicated but I would still put em in there. If honda put em in there they must have been there for a reason or why would they waste the money on them?

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

I say run it. As far as I know they just make installing the head easier if you're using stock bolts instead of studs. If you run into any problems throw them back in,

Re: DOWEL PINS
 

I figured since they are used to align the head, it would not cause a big issue since I am using ARP studs, the cometic headgasket cost a little more since it was special ordered since tuner toys don't keep these in stock, I am in Germany so overnight shipping would be a waste and would still take a long time.
so I look at the positive side, I am using head studs the help to align the head just like the dowel pins. and this rebuild is only to get me back on the street for one race. because I am building a sleeved block in the winter. all I replace was the bearings, and headgasket. thanks for replies, I will mak sure next build I will hang the pins from the hood latch so I won't forget them ;D