August update on the Celica GT4

 It feels like ages since I have written a proper blog update, and unfortunately it has been. What with global covid restrictions and all, I have just been too busy travelling back and forward to work. In between that, I have been slowly trying to get back into things, now that restrictions are lifting. 

So...... back to cars! 

The celica GT4 build was progressing well, and Im sure you have seen the videos in previous posts. Now that the engine and box are out, I had to open the wallet and start spending to acquire all the key service and maintenance items. Im planning on leaving the bottom end of the block alone, but refreshing all seals and gaskets. 

It is a really solid lump of a car and has stood the test of time well. Taking it apart really made we appreciate how well it was put together.....serious build quality. However the engineering design was visible too and it was actually a joy to work on. Minimal tools apart from a normal socket set, mallet and  spanners were needed to remove the engine and gearbox. I did break a few small things removing the engine, like power steering switch which got damaged as the engine got lowered. Then there was the distributor King lead that somehow stuck itself to chassis as the engine got lowered.....turns out you can't replace these now, unless you order a complete set of leads. Damn it. 

The car had a nasty camshaft seal leak, so I bought a complete Toyota engine gasket set and various other parts including timing belt kit, clutch and various small items that were defective. I think I have everything I need to start cleaning the engine and separation of the block and head. I even to a multi layer steel head gasket from the revision 3 engine, to strengthen up the block and head sealing. I also went for some OEM spec head bolts. 

As the head bolts are torque to yield, you have to tighten them in two torque settings, following the sequence in the manual, then tighten 90 degrees to finally seat them. This is critical as you really need to make sure you have the correct clamping force (tightened in the correct sequence!) to make sure the gasket seals under all that boost that the turbo is about to push into the engine! 

Its also critical to remember that certain bolts on certain types of engine are "use once" and throw away. This is because they are stretched to their elastic limit when torqued into place. Check the manual on any built. As the engine is 29 years old and contain, I also opted for new camshaft and crankshaft bolts. Most likely these bolt heads are going to get damaged when I try to remove them so it's always good to plan ahead. 

So..... now that all the parts are in place, come the end of the month, I hope to remove the wiring loom, manifold and head then remove the head from the block for inspection. All going well its just a matter of cleaning all surfaces, refresh the seals and gaskets and then bolt it all back together. 

That does sound easy in theory, but Im sure there will be a few more surprises when I get stuck into it.