Been reading on the forums all I can about head gasket replacement and the like because my 02 4.7 dropped a seat and I need to pull the heads. It has been YEARS since I have done anything quite this involved so I am looking for all the advance knowledge I can muster. There is a few points I could use some clarification on before I get dirty.

1] I have read conflicting write ups - perhaps just omission but… does the timing chain cover need to be removed?

2] Never having done Over Head cams the concept of loaded cams is confusing. What is placing tension on them? How
do I relieve the tension prior to removal? How do I re load it?

3] If I can not access a spanner to hold the opposite cam when loosening / torqing what is the safest / best way to do
that?

Thanks to all who take the time to share there knowledge.

P.S, Any short cuts / tricks you had success with would be of immense help.

 

http://www.mediafire.com/?2cg2hgim2zz

Here is the answer to all your questions.

 

Ok I got the heads off. Seems it dropped a seat.

But there is also a slight impact depression in the piston.
I have not read on this on any of the posts.
Can I ignore it?
Should I grind it smooth?
Can it be filled?

Any ideas?

 

it would help if you put a pic up so we can see the damage

 

Here it is:

 

let me try again

 

thanks for the pic it doesn't look that bad i would run it

 

Thanks for the feedback.