Todays silly question.

[Unkle Krusty]

Are the heads simetrical? Symmetrical. Whichever is correct in modern US language.
Both heads are numbered, 4027183. But, one head has a large number 4, and the other a 3.
Without checking I think 4 is on the right.
Parts washer is working, and I am cleaning bits. Takes a while to remove the old gaskets, especially the head gasket.
The gasket is fairly thin, have not measured it yet. Pressure on most was 160 pounds using my gauge. First crank was lower, but pumped up quickly. Haynes says this could be a problem, but I have never had full pressure on the first crank. With the valves seated a bit better, I expect a bit more pressure.
My parts are in at the auto store, will get them next week. Then work on the next silly question.
It will be about cam timing and valve adjustment, but I noticed Edelbrock has a service line. So I can annoy them.
I actually read the instructions.

 

[R413]

What heads are these? Usually the same left and right.

 

[moparedtn]

4027163 perhaps?

 

[kiwigtx]

Are the heads simetrical? Symmetrical. Whichever is correct in modern US language.
Both heads are numbered, 4027183. But, one head has a large number 4, and the other a 3.
Without checking I think 4 is on the right.
Parts washer is working, and I am cleaning bits. Takes a while to remove the old gaskets, especially the head gasket.
The gasket is fairly thin, have not measured it yet. Pressure on most was 160 pounds using my gauge. First crank was lower, but pumped up quickly. Haynes says this could be a problem, but I have never had full pressure on the first crank. With the valves seated a bit better, I expect a bit more pressure.
My parts are in at the auto store, will get them next week. Then work on the next silly question.
It will be about cam timing and valve adjustment, but I noticed Edelbrock has a service line. So I can annoy them.
I actually read the instructions.

No, the heads are not symmetrical.

Look at either end - there is only one end that has drilled holes for the likes of alternator fixing.

 

[R413]

4027163 perhaps?

But I don't know what the hell that is so a description would be nice. So that way I don't waste time looking up some V6 baloney.

No, the heads are not symmetrical.

Look at either end - there is only one end that has drilled holes for the likes of alternator fixing.

Yea only one end drilled, so put it on the other side of the V engine and waddaya know, they are the same now!

 

[kiwigtx]

Yea only one end drilled, so put it on the other side of the V engine and waddaya know, they are the same now!

That is not what symmetrical means - that is what is known as multi-purpose....or dual fitment.

 

[kiwigtx]

Clue is in the OP....it is a silly question, and for that there is no answer.

 

[RemCharger]

It's a surprise, surprise, 318 head . ( just when we were hoping it was a 286 MW head lol)
The one large number is meaningless just a batch or core # etc.
I do like to keep the head on the same side as it came on. Some could argue that's an OCD thing, and others will whole heartedly agree.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Neighbour thinks it is 4027183, so did I, but it could be a 4027163. That is what I found. 77 to 86, LA 318. It looks like both ends are drilled for bolts. One head is mostly clean. Will have a close look when the other head is clean.

 

[Runcharger]

There is no right side only or left side only. However before mounting the heads I double check that the one I am using on the right side has an undamaged alternator mounting boss.

 

[kiwigtx]

Definition of symmetrical - made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis.

Example - a mirror placed along the dotted line to form an axis will show exactly the same image as the side not in the mirror.....

3


Example of not symmetrical .....

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Post number ten. I will do that. All the threads look okay. I left one forward bolt in the left hand head, so I will check what that is for. It all looks different sitting on the cart, than in the camper van.

 

[Matthew J]

Not symmetrical, but the same LH and RH sides. The 3 and 4 are probably pattern numbers used for QC in the foundry.

 

[R413]

Clue is in the OP....it is a silly question, and for that there is no answer.

people ask silly questions multiple times a day.

You and the staff heard cats in your spare time! LOL

 

[Unkle Krusty]

I have both heads sitting on the block. Either head on the right hand side, will have three thread places, for bolts forward for the alternator and adjustment bar. One bolt at the rear. So putting the same head on the left hand side, will present 3 bolts aft, and one bolt forward.
I had left 1 bolt forward to show me it was the left hand head.
Been reading about Edelbrock cam timing.