cylinder head locating...things

[Matteh]

on a 172, the BE has some 'locating cylinders' so that you can properly align the head (I think? )

my BE and head have come back from being decked and skimmed and these are missing... are they vital?

can I just bolt the head on as normal? or will it not align properly or something? :S

 

[BenR]

The dowels are crucial.

 

[Henry22]

As above.. If the head is put on out of square, it wont seal the bores properly when it 'crushes' the metal rings on the gasket. leading to low compression, and or leaks.

Contact your engine builder and ge the dowels back before going any further.

 

[Matteh]

cheers!

just looked through the bag of bolts they gave me and they included them! (they were sitting on a bolt though, so i didn't notice)

thanks again you wonderful people!