I am reassembling a 3.2 Rodeo that I did not take apart. A little background - Mine was overheating and I took it to a shop to see what was wrong (after I did thermostat, fan clutch, water pump) Two head bolts were broken and he would not touch it once he found that. (steel bolts in an aluminum block...) I took it back and got the bolts out, cleaned everything up, and I'm putting it back together.

The thermostat housing bolts to the front of the block, between the heads, and under the intake manifold. It bolts to a horizontal surface. Here's what I don't get, On the back side of this surface, there is a 2"+/- hole that faces the firewall. (still on the front area of the engine) I don't know if it should be a pipe, sensor, or freeze plug. There would not be much room for a pipe, because there is already a 2" that comes forward from the coolant manifold (that runs between the two heads REAL close to the firewall) Any ideas? Thanks.

Scott

Sorry, forgot to mention that this is a 96 model

I guess I asked prematurely. I figured it out, There are actually two metal coolant hoses in the gap between the heads. Funny thing is that I had both lines in my hand for over an hour last night trying to figure it out. 2 minutes in front if it this morning and it was obvious. I guess you just have to step away sometimes...

Thanks again.

Scott

You got it. Did you use new o-rings? There is one at the end of each pipe.

Yeah, I will be. Got a complete gasket set. I am test fitting a lot of stuff at the moment. Got the truck back with the cargo area full of parts and I am trying to see where everything goes.

Anyone have trouble with the manifold on the back (firewall) side of the heads. I almost want to pull both heads, bolt the manifold to both (already attached to one) and TRY to reinstall both heads together. I doubt I will, as there's way too much chance of damaging one or both cylinder heads like that. There's not much room to work against the firewall for the two manifold bolts.

Thanks for the tip surferfletch.

Scott

I've never had the water manifold off. There is no room there. Would jacking the engine a little help? Good luck!

Use a little RTV on the o-rings for a lasting seal. That tip courtesy of
2eyefishclaw.

let me know if you need help getting cam timing right

Thanks for the tips guys. I haven't worked on it for a day or so, but getting back to it tonight. I'll let you know how it goes. Locating the bolt for the manifold into the head is the toughest part. Then again, I believe there is a gasket there as well. I have gotten one of the bolts into the head about half way. Gonna have to slip one side of the gasket in, put the other bolt through it and into the head, and then take the bolt I already have in out of the head. Pivot the gasket and reinstall the bolt. Sounds easy huh?

Thanks again for the help.

Scott

OK, had to take the heads off, mount the coolant manifold, and then use a hoist to put both heads on at the same time. Hoist made it easy, but I worried about the manifold being able to hold the weight. Job done. I have installed the thermostat plenum and both hard coolant lines (between the heads) I need to time the engine and install the belt so that I can then tighten the head bolts. Cams are in the way of half of my head bolts. Any tips on the timing? 2eyefishclaw, I know you offered, can you send a link?
The cams have not moved since the disassembly, but the crank has been rotated.

Scott

i am going to work on getting pics posted for you if I cant get it to work can I e-mail you

yo just caught its a 96 just line the woodruf key with the line on the sside of the oil pump line green painted line from cam sprockets with marks the little bump on the plate that is bolted to the head the little bump will be twoards the outer side may be easier to feel than to see

mojoworkin]
mojoworkin]
with 2's description, see if this illustration helps you. the detail is a little difficult to see in this view, but it's all there, and if you blow it up it should help

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/trooperbc/timingbeltillustration.gif

Man, Thanks guys! It's nice to have the help you all have offered! I will tackle it sometime soon. Waiting on a belt tensioner. In the mean time, I am trying to locate the positions for all of the 27ish electrical connectors on the big black birds nest of a harness. Again, I didn't take it apart, so I do a lot of dry fitting so I don't get ahead of my self. I've done this on other cars, and it is too easy to get in a groove, make lots of progress, and then have to tear it back apart cause you forgot a bolt/hose/etc.

Scott